By Steve Morris

Last week, the girls hopes of entering the win column crumbled like a stale gingerbread cookie.

The North Branch girls basketball team fought hard against two North Suburban Conference teams, yet came home empty handed. The girls, now 0-5, are struggling to find an identity.

"I can't ever remember starting the first five games of the season with five different combinations of starters, but we have this year," Schindler said.

St. Louis Park

On Dec. 11, the girls lost a feud with the St. Louis Park Orioles 62-45.

Kristen Robatcek gave the team a much needed lift in her first game back after an injury, scoring 13 points.

The sophomore duo of Rikki Beaver and Amanda Sylla played well for the Vikes, keeping the girls in the game. Beaver ended with six assists.

"Beaver is showing us she sees the floor really well against other teams presses," Schindler said. "We really need the holiday break right now to get healthy and get all our players at practice. We have been putting some girls in positions that they would not normally play and it just hasn't worked out for us. The one positive thing I still see is great attitude from the team and they continue to work hard."

Fridley

On Dec. 14, the girls lost to the Fridley Tigers. 31-51. At halftime, the girls had managed to put up just 11 points, compared to 23 by the Tigers. In the second half, Fridley pulled away for the 17-point win.

Megan Scherer led the team with seven points. Schindler noted the girls continue to work hard.

"Jessica Audette and Kendra Norman give us needed energy and have done a nice job for us," Schindler said.

North Branch.....18.....27.....45
St. Louis Park....21....41.....62

Cori Fairbanks 3, Kristen Robatcek 13, Kendra Norman 7, Miranda Charley 2, Megan Scherer 5, 8 rebounds, Rikki Beaver 2, 6 assists, Amanda Sylla 13.

North Branch 11 20 31
Fridley 23 28 51

Cori Fairbanks 2, Kristen Robatcek 3, Alyssa Peterson 2, Jessica Audette 5, Kendra Norman 5, Megan Scherer 7, Rikki Beaver 4, Amanda Sylla 1, Ashley Johnson 2