Hermiston's Courtney Walchli wrestles a Hood River Valley defender for the ball Friday in the Columbia River Conference opener for both teams in Hood River. Hermiston won the game, 65-54, and Walchli scored 11 points to help pace the Dawgs.

Hermistons girls basketball team used a strong second half to power past Hood River Valley, 65-54, in the Columbia River Conference opener Friday in Hood River.

The Dawgs outscored the Eagles 39-29 in the final two periods and had four players score in double figures.

Gracie Flyg led the Bulldogs with 15 points, followed by Heidi Walchli and Kirsten Shockman each with 12. Courtney Walchli pitched in 11 and hauled in 11 rebounds as well.

After trailing in the third quarter, Hermiston finally played with the intensity and crispness they are accustomed to, allowing for the surge to earn the teams first CRC win.

They were also playing a bit shorthanded with Crystal Schmidt on the bench injured. Shes expected to miss up to two weeks.

The Dawgs hosted The Dalles-Wahtonka on Tuesday in a CRC matcup, but the score was unavailable by press time. The game story will appear in Saturdays Herald.