Photo by Claire Hewitt: Chloe Palmer works up the court for St. Edmond on Thursday at South Hamilton.

JEWELL — The St. Edmond girls used a strong first half to secure a second win this week, besting South Hamilton here Thursday night, 46-27.

Eden Horn had 16 points and Chloe Palmer added 11. Abby Huss and Sophia Schlienz each contributed eight points.

The Gaels (5-2 overall) used a 14-5 run in the second quarter to take a 15-point lead into the break.

“We picked up intensity on defense,” SEHS head coach CJ Tracy said. “We were able to get some ball movement on offense and the ball went in the hole a little more (in the second quarter compared to the first).

“I felt like we controlled the glass on both sides, and all those little things played a big part in us extending the lead.”

For the Hawks (4-6), Tessa Skartvedt had eight points and Emma Lammers seven.

St. Edmond started the week with a road win at North Central Conference rival Humboldt and will conclude things at No. 14 (Class 3A) Clear Lake on Friday night.

“We didn’t play our best game (on Thursday), but we found a way to get the win,” Tracy said. “It was a good learning experience for us as we get back into conference play and the rest of the season.”

ST. EDMOND 46, SOUTH HAMILTON 27

St. Edmond — Sophia Schlienz 8, Chloe Palmer 11, Eden Horn 16, Abby Huss 8, Olivia Andrew 3.

South Hamilton — Isabel Swenson 2, Emma Lammers 7, Aliya Erickson 2, Kaylen Trask 4, Signe Swenson 4, Tessa Skartvedt 8.

Quarter scores: St. Edmond led 10-5, 24-9, 39-18.