White River Valley opened its girls high school basketball season Tuesday night at West Vigo with only eight total players.

After 32 minutes, it didn’t matter.

The Lady Wolverines got off to a quick start and held off the Vikings with some good defense in the fourth quarter for a 46-40 victory.

“It was good to come away with a road win to start the season. West Vigo is a solid team with strong guard play and good size inside,” Settles said of the victory.

“With low numbers and a few injuries, I was proud of our girls for continuing to battle throughout the game.”

Senior Maddy Settles led WRV with 16 points, and freshman Alli Graves contributed 14. The duo had 20 of WRV’s 30 first-half points, and it built leads of 17-13 after the opening eight minutes and 27 at halftime.

“I thought we knocked down some big shots from the field when we needed them. We have some great shooters on this team, and I think that will be one of our strengths as the season progresses,” Settles said.

The Lady Wolverines were able to build their lead to 45-38 heading into the fourth quarter. Both teams struggled offensively in the fourth, as West Vigo had one field goal and WRV one free throw.

Settles is happy with the victory, considering she has two seniors and six freshmen on her eight-player varsity roster.

“We are still a long way from where we need to be. We have to do a better job of limiting turnovers, improving defensively, and hitting the glass,” Settles said.

“There is plenty of work ahead of us, but I love the direction we are headed and the fight I see in this group. I’m excited to see how we continue to grow throughout the season.”

Senior Payton LaFever and freshman Amira Gillum both added six points for WRV, and Lilly-Ann Livingston had two.

White River Valley will open its home schedule Monday against Sullivan. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but some of WRV’s players will be taking part in a soccer All-Star game that day.