For the first time this year, Vashon’s girls basketball team suffered back-to-back losses last week.

They lost to Seattle Christian 52-39 at home last Tuesday, then took it on the chin on Saturday, losing to Bellevue Christian 57-42.

On Tuesday, the Pirates faced one of the top-ranked teams in the state, league rival Seattle Christian. The Pirates had something to prove to themselves, having been beaten earlier this year at Seattle Christian’s home court.

“We gave a great defensive effort tonight,” said coach Henry Porter after the game, “despite being on the losing end of the stick.”

The Pirates harassed the big girls of Seattle Christian, holding their leading scorer Lexi Peterson to one point in the first half.

The Pirates won the first quarter 12-9, but were down by five at halftime.

Then, Vashon came out in the second half and stayed tight with the Seattle Christian Warriors. They were only outscored by one point in the third quarter.

“We had our chances in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but unfortunately we didn’t take advantage of them,” Porter said.

In the end, the Warriors converted key baskets and got big offensive rebounds that helped them pull away and take the victory.

“I think the players learned that they can play with this team,” Porter said. “This was a solid effort from the whole squad tonight, and we hope to have another shot at them in the playoffs.”

In their second game of the week, the Pirates played the Vikings of Bellevue Christian — leaders of the Emerald City League — in a non-league contest.

Vashon led by one after the first quarter, were up most of the second period and at halftime were only behind by three.

In the second half, the Pirates came out looking tired and disconnected and were outscored 31-19.

“This was not one of our great efforts of the year,” said Porter. “The Vikings are a good team, well coached, and on this night the better team.”

Bellevue won 57-42.

The Pirates have two league contests coming up this week. They finish up the season with last night’s away game against Life Christian (with results coming in too late for publication in today’s paper) and Friday night, the Pirates play their last regular season game against Charles Wright.

Friday night is also senior night, the final home game for two senior varsity players — Autumn Shotridge and Zelda Porter.

— This article was written with information submitted by Coach Henry Porter.