The first quarter belonged to the South Whidbey girls basketball team against Archbishop Murphy on Friday.

Playing in a Cascade Conference game, the Falcons held a 12-6 lead through the first period, only to watch it slip away in the second quarter to a 20-18 deficit and eventually a 57-42 loss.

South Whidbey (2-2 conference, 2-4 overall) went with a fast offense to open the game, resulting in the quick lead. But Archbishop Murphy’s defense found its footing and was able to force several turnovers from South Whidbey, resulting in eight points in the final four minutes of the first half.

Wildcat junior Megan Wall led all scorers with 19 points and sparked the visiting team’s offense. Wall had several transition layups and steals, including the final basket of the first half.

The Wildcats smothered the Falcons out of halftime, holding them to six points while pouring in 13 to take a 35-26 lead going into the final quarter.

South Whidbey’s offense clicked in the fourth quarter for 16 points, but couldn’t keep pace with Archbishop Murphy. Falcon sophomores Kacie Hanson and Megan Drake each scored 10 points to lead South Whidbey.