And the Falcons responded to the challenge.

Sophomore Ashley Russell scored a game-high 18 points, while Sidney Petrie and Karen Flaherty each had solid contributions as the Falcons switched things up in a 45-35 triumph over Hall-Dale at Puiia Gymnasium on Thursday.

Mountain Valley started out fast and maintained its intensity level throughout the game. In fact, the fourth quarter proved to be the Falcons’ best as they increased the lead to nine points following baskets by Russell and Flaherty, assisted by Petrie.

“We had started out the second with mistakes and turnovers,” said Petrie, who scored eight points and added 10 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. “We needed to settle down and refocus. Coach (Ryan) Casey had to yell at us and it worked. In the fourth quarter, we just needed to be patient.”

The rematch was important because each team is battling for a potential home playoff game in the final stages of the regular season.

Hall-Dale (9-4) and Mountain Valley (8-5) were ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Class C Heal points.

Hall-Dale opened the fourth quarter with two free throws by Sydney Perry before Nicole Pelletier (12 points, eight rebounds) made a field goal with 1:18 left in the game. The Bulldogs hurt themselves with several unforced errors and missed shots.

“We just didn’t execute,” Hall-Dale coach Brandon Terrill said. “In a game like this, the intensity level is high and the (transition) from playing hard defense and then having to go on offense can be difficult.”

Mountain Valley, missing starter Liza White and key reserve Tori Ryerson, seemed unfazed and went right after Hall-Dale. Flaherty (10 points, five rebounds four assists and four steals) helped set the tone by draining a 3 in the first quarter. The Falcons received help out front from Juilia Perry, Emily Laubauskas, Emily Billings, and inside from Abby Parent.

“The fast start obviously helped,” Casey said. “It got everyone (mentally) into the game. We respected Hall-Dale because they have good shooters and can be expansive.”

In the third quarter, Hall-Dale went on an 8-0 run. Baskets by Eva Shepherd (seven points), Dani Sweet and two by Pelletier pulled the visitors within two.

The Falcons refused to panic. Following a strategic time out, they scored nine of the final 11 points of the third quarter. Laubauskas made a three-point play, Petrie scored in the paint and Russell scored off a Petrie cross-court pass and sank a jump shot.

“We usually are a slow starting team,” Flaherty said. “But, we used that fast start to get going. We are a second-half team, so we just needed to relax n the third quarter.”

Mountain Valley and Hall Dale shot 35 and 34 percent, respectively, and were even in made free throws.