Limiting the damage was the biggest goal for the Bayfield Wolverines on Friday night.

The Bayfield High School girls basketball team (0-12, 0-4 Class 3A Intermountain League) had a tough task in front of it at Pagosa Springs (12-0, 4-0 IML), the defending Class 23A state runner-up and current third-ranked team in the state.

The Wolverines accomplished their goals defensively, but the result still was a 44-14 lopsided loss.

“I thought our defense played well. For the most part, we did what we wanted to,” BHS head coach Bri Simbeck said. “Our goal was to limit their scoring in the post.”

Pagosa Springs’ Taylor Hammer-Lee scored a game-high 13 points, including nine on three 3-pointers. Payton Shahan scored 11 more for the Pirates, and Morgan Schaaf finished with 10.

The Wolverines were led by Aspen Pinnecoose’s six points. Jessie Roukema added five.

“We had trouble putting points on the board. No. 1 to blame is ourselves,” Simbeck said. “Our mistakes are the difference.”

Still, Simbeck was happy her youthful squad was able to gain experience against a loaded Pirates team.

“I told the girls to keep their heads up. I know Pagosa loses four seniors next year, and we’re very young,” she said. “I’m optimistic that we’re putting the time in to get better. It doesn’t show every game, but next year we can be more competitive.”

BHS will play at 5:30 p.m. Friday at home against Centauri to complete the first half of the league schedule.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com