SHEFFIELD — The St. Edmond girls nearly staged a huge rally here on Friday, but the Gaels came up just short in a 50-41 loss at West Fork.

The Gaels (0-2 overall) erased nearly all of an early double-digit deficit and climbed within two points early in the final period before the Warhawks (3-1) pulled away.

“We made a nice run and settled in after the slow start,” SEHS head coach CJ Tracy said. “I honestly thought we outplayed them for three full quarters, but that (first period) was rough.”

Behind standout senior Leah Weaver, West Fork went up 17-6. The Gaels were also hindered by their struggles at the free throw line; the team missed 21 foul shots.

“Obviously it’s almost impossible to win — especially on the road — with so many free throw misses,” Tracy said. “The girls fought hard. It wasn’t for lack of effort. We got significantly better from game one (a home loss to No. 1 Bishop Garrigan) to game two.”

Chloe Palmer led a balanced St. Edmond attack with 11 points. Abby Huss added nine and Josie Harvey finished with eight.

Weaver, a 5-foot-11 off guard, had a game-high 26 points.

“She’s probably the best player we’ll face all year,” Tracy added.

The Gaels are at Southeast Valley on Tuesday for a 6:15 p.m. girls varsity tip.

WEST FORK 50, ST. EDMOND 41

St. Edmond — Sophia Schlienz 4, Anna Lursen 7, Payton Bradley 2, Chloe Palmer 11, Abby Huss 9, Josie Harvey 8.

Quarter scores: WF led 17-6, 32-21, 39-32.