Photo by Rick Thompson Kacey Kruthoff looks to pass for St. Edmond as Humboldt’s Kendal Clark defends on Friday.

HUMBOLDT — Second-half struggles kept the St. Edmond girls from picking up their first win of the year on Friday, as they fell to Humboldt, 61-46.

The Gaels kept it close through the opening 16 minutes, but the Wildcats were able to pull away behind the play of Kendal Clark and Bae Arnold. The two combined for 37 points in the victory.

Jori Hajek added 12 for Humboldt (5-2 overall).

“I told the girls that was the most complete performance we have had all year,” SEHS head coach CJ Tracy said. “To do that into the Christmas break has to lift their spirits.”

For the Gaels, Leah Neverman scored 20.

St. Edmond led 13-12 early in the second quarter before the Wildcats went on a commanding run thanks to a handful of made three-pointers. Humboldt led 28-19 and never looked back.

“I’m just very proud of their effort,” Tracy said. “There were so many positives to come out of this game.”

With the win, Humboldt has now picked up four consecutive in the series, which St. Edmond leads 13-12 over the past 25 meetings. These two play again on Jan. 29.

Humboldt will face Hampton-Dumont/CAL on Tuesday. The Wildcats have won three in a row and five of their last six.

HUMBOLDT 61, ST. EDMOND 46

Humboldt — Jori Hajek 12, Bae Arnold 17, Jayda Hoefer 5, Emily Zaugg 2, Marissa Kaufman 2, Kaylee Shaner 3, Kendal Clark 20.

St. Edmond — Avery Galles 3, Leah Johnson 4, Kelli Kersten 2, Kierstin Clark 4, Mya McClain 4, Leah Neverman 20, Kacey Kruthoff 2, Gracie Harvey 5, Alyson Nieland 2.