The Vashon High School girls basketball team opened its season with three games in less than a week — all non-conference games against Emerald City League squads. The Pirates followed a 3-point loss to University Prep on Tuesday, Nov. 27, with wins over The Northwest School and Seattle Academy on the following Friday and Sunday.

The Pirates return four key players from last year’s team —Anya Quig, Taegen Lynch, Tianna Koenig and Kalie Heffernan — and each contributed significantly in the contests played last week.

In the season opening loss (26-29) to University Prep, the Pirates tallied 32 turnovers, more than in the next two games combined. Despite issues with ball control, the Pirates stayed in the contest.

Sienna Jannetty made two 3-point shots in the final minute to pull the team to within 3, and the Pirates got a final possession with 14 ticks left on the clock. A chance for a 3-point shot to tie was just missed by Heffernan.

Scoring was led by Quig and Lynch, who scored 9 points apiece, with Jannetty adding 6 and Koenig adding 2.

On the following night, Vashon played The Northwest School, and both teams struggled to score early as the first half ended 8-5 in favor of Vashon. The Pirates fared better in the second half, extending the advantage on their way to a 26-21 win.

Scoring was paced by Janetty’s 14 points. Quig added 7, Heffernan had 3 and Koenig added 2. Heffernan had an outstanding defensive effort against the Owls, limiting their leading scorer from last year.

On Friday, Vashon hosted the Seattle Academy Cardinals and jumped out to an early lead, taking a 19-8 advantage into halftime. Vashon pushed their advantage to 16 points, leading 26-10 by the end of the third and cruising to a 33-22 final score.

Quig led the scorers with 16 points, with additional scoring from Lynch (6), Koenig (4), Kate Atwell (4) and Janetty (3).

The Pirates’ next home game is Friday against Seattle Christian.

— Gary Means is the assistant coach of the Vashon girls basketball team.