File photo – Kaitlin Giacone

The Eureka Loggers improved to 2-0 in the Big 5 with a 45-31 win at Fortuna in girls basketball on Wednesday night, but they had to battle all the way for the victory.

Still in search of their first conference win, the Fortuna girls came ready to play and challenged the league favorites for much of the night.

Just seven points separated the two conference rivals heading into the final quarter, but the visitors held on down the stretch and moved into a tie with Arcata at the top of the Big 5 standings.

“Fortuna did a great job attacking our zone,” Eureka head coach Cliff Napoleon said. “They had a great inside/out ball movement and hit the outside jumper. (Head coach) Tom (Chapman) had them working hard and they played really well.”

So too did reigning Big 5 MVP Kaitlin Giacone, who finished with a game-high 16 points in the win, as the high-flying Loggers improved to 14-3 on the season.

Eureka freshman Tiara Maualuga also had a big night and added 14 points, while teammate Samara Gaither finished with seven points.

Fortuna’s Kalie Chittenden scored a team-high 10 points in the loss, as the Huskies dropped to 0-3 in the Big 5 and 11-8 overall.

Chapman was happy with his team’s effort after two disappointing losses last week.

“We played hard tonight and made it a competitive game against a very talented Eureka team,” he said. 

Some late turnovers proved costly for the home team with the Loggers converting them into points to help seal the victory.

Mariah Bravo added seven points for the Huskies.

Also in the Big 5 on Wednesday, the Arcata Tigers overcame a sluggish start to beat rival McKinleyville 45-33.

With that win, the Tigers improved to 2-0 in conference play.

That win sets up a pivotal showdown between the Tigers and Loggers in Eureka on Friday night with the conference lead on the line.

Also on Friday, the Huskies will try to bounce back when they host Del Norte.