Submitted/file photo

The Arcata girls basketball team faced a tough challenge in its first game at the Justin-Siena Holiday Classic on Thursday night, opening against Cardinal Newman.

The Cardinals started slowly but grew into the game and finished strong on the way to a 53-44 win.

Arcata led by seven after the opening quarter but the Cardinal Newman girls outscored them 13-5 in the second quarter and carried a one-point lead into halftime.

It was still a close game going into the fourth with the Cardinals leading by four, but they would outscore the Tigers 12-7 for the period and held on for the win.

Despite the loss, Arcata head coach Charlie Espinoza, who described it as a “tough battle,” was more than happy with his team’s performance.

“We ran our sets very well,” he said. “I’m super proud of our heart and our effort.”

Mae Wolford continued to impress for the Tigers and finished with a double-double, scoring 15 points and adding 13 rebounds, as well as three steals.

Her twin sister Tae Wolford added six points and had a big night on defense, while guarding a Santa Clara commit.

“Defensively she took on the challenge of guarding their best player,” Espinoza said. “(She) did a phenomenal job forcing her into tough shots and forcing her to make passes instead of shots.”

Arcata’s Mayleah Jackson also impressed, scoring seven points and distributing the ball well, while sophomores Jocelyn O’Donnell and Kyla Kinyon continued to give the Tigers big minutes off the bench and are playing very well, according to the coach.

The Tiger, who are now 5-4, continue tournament play against Carlmont at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.