Four days after getting its first conference win of the season at Lassen, a short-handed College fo the Redwoods women’s basketball team fell to Shasta in a close battle in Eureka on Wednesday night.

The Corsairs, who have just seven players because of injuries this season, fell 64-59.

But those seven players came to play and they gave the conference contenders all they could handle.

“I thought we started the game strong (on Wednesday) with a great first quarter,” CR head coach Bree Northern said. “We were neck and neck with Shasta and I thought our team had a lot of energy.”

The Knights, however, began to take control with a big third quarter and stretched their lead to as many as 12 points at one stage.

“The third quarter was not great for us,” Northern said. “Shasta hit some big shots and we struggled defensively.”

But the resilient Corsairs would make a late charge to make a game of it before ultimately falling by five points.

“We were able to claw back at the end, but we didn’t have quite enough in the tank to be able to win,” said Northern, who has done an admirable job with the team in her first season in charge considering the challenges and lack of numbers.

The Knights, who improved to 4-1 in conference play and sit second in the GVC standings, swept the conference series against the Corsairs, but both wins came by just six points or less.

Despite the disappointment of losing, Northern was more than happy with the fight her players showed.

“Shasta did a good job taking away our offense, forcing us to play stagnant and not allowing us to get great looks,” the coach said. “But I am proud of my team for continuing to fight and never giving up in the game.”

All seven CR players contributed, led by Aniah Gaither, who had a double-double.

The former Eureka Logger finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

“Her hard work and determination continues to show in each game,” Northern said.

Former Ferndale Wildcat Kyla Albee also impressed with a good all-around performance and finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.

“She is such a talented player and each game she continues to showcase her skills on both ends of the court,” Northern said of Albee, who has been a consistent force for the Corsairs this winter. 

With the loss, the CR women dropped to 1-4 in the GVC and 8-13 overall.

Next up, the Corsairs will play at Butte next Thursday.