It’s been a roller-coaster start for Bloomfield High School’s girls’ basketball team.

The Lady Cardinals opened the season with a heartbreaking, last-second loss to Mitchell on a 3-pointer. Then couldn’t find their offense in a setback at Loogootee and came back and played better at Sullivan but still fell short.

On Thursday night at home against Shoals, Bloomfield used a balanced scoring attack to knock off the Lady Jug Rox, 67-35.

Babcock said Thursday’s play and result was just what the doctor ordered.

“I’m really proud of the way our girls shot the basketball tonight,” Babcock said. “It’s great to finally get a win under our belt and see some of their hard work pay off.

“I thought we showed some positive growth as a team, but we also know there are plenty of areas we need to clean up.”

The Lady Cardinals’ quick start set the tone. They hit four 3-pointers in the opening eight minutes, one each from Zylah Hendricks, Lola Myers, KaLyn Stephens, and Aaliyah O’Connor. That allowed Bloomfield to double up on the Lady Jug Rox by the end of quarter, 18-9.

Hendricks finished with a game-21 points, including nine more in the second and seven in the third as Bloomfield took control and led 35-16 at halftime and 48-28 after three to put the game away.

Ellie Figg contributed 14 points for Bloomfield, and Dixie Hudson had 12. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Cardinals were Stephens (six), O’Connor (five), Myers (three), and Rylynne Potts, Averi Holt, and Madi Patton contributed two each.

Bloomfield’s balanced offensive attack was key throughout the game.

“I’m glad to see others scoring and we are at our best when we have multiple threats,” Babcock said.

Even though Bloomfield gave up more than nine points in just one quarter, Babcock said she would like to see a better effort on the defensive boards.

“Honestly, our defense was the piece I was disappointed in. I felt like we gave them too many second-chance opportunities and were weak on the boards,” Babcock explained.

“We will break some scenarios down in practice and try to get better in that area. There are always areas to improve, but I’m happy for the girls and our program to get the win.”

Emmalyn McNabb led Shoals in scoring with 14, and Dixie Riggins added 12.

Bloomfield (1-3) is back in action Tuesday at home against Edgewood (2-1).

“We have a lot to attack in our upcoming practices, and we’re going to continue pushing this group to get better every day,” Babcock said.

“We’re happy with the win, but we’re far from satisfied.