The Western Reserve Academy Girls Varsity Basketball team traveled to Geneva on Wednesday night to face SPIRE Academy in the first of two matchups over the next two weeks. Despite a strong defensive effort early, the Pioneers fell 65–41.

Reserve came out ready to compete, battling on the defensive end and keeping the game within striking distance for much of the first half. With under four minutes remaining before halftime, SPIRE extended its lead to 18. The Pioneers responded with a quick 6–0 run to trim the deficit to 12 and regain momentum.

However, SPIRE answered with a three-pointer and a transition bucket to close the half, taking a 35–20 lead into the break. The hosts maintained control in the second half and secured the win in game one of the home-and-home series.

Nina Bilic '28 led the Pioneers with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Avery Childress '29 added 9 points, while Norah Fuld '26 contributed 7 rebounds. Emerie Davis '27 and Eva Barron '27 were active on the glass and defensively, combining for 15 rebounds and several key defensive plays.

The Pioneers will regroup over the upcoming weekend before hosting SPIRE in the rematch on Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 PM.