JUNCTION CITY – The Sutherlin girls basketball team struggled through the first quarter of its league opener against Junction City on the road Friday night. After leading by only four, the Bulldogs’ defense shut down the Tigers over the final three quarters and Sutherlin ran away with a 58-30 victory, its 53rd straight league win.

Taylor Stricklin had a huge night with 29 points, including two three-pointers, to lead Sutherlin’s offense. Eliza Sorenson chipped in eight with one three-pointer.

Sutherlin outscored Junction City 17-6 in the third quarter to blow the game open and led 44-21 after three periods.

After the first quarter, the Sutherlin defense held the Tigers to 2, 6, and 9 points in the final three quarters.

Sutherlin improved to 1-0 in the Sky-Em League and 11-3 overall.

Junction City fell to 0-1 in league and 5-9 overall.

Sutherlin will host Elmira in a Sky-Em League game next Tuesday at Sutherlin High School.