The losing streak hit eight straight for the East Jefferson Rivals girls basketball team after being defeated 53-24 at home against the Bellevue Christian Vikings Jan. 22.

Saturday’s loss marks another in a disappointing season for the Rivals.

EJ and Bellevue Christian players met at Port Townsend High School over the weekend for their second matchup of the season (the Vikings won 52-15 on Dec. 14).

The Vikings unloaded on the Rivals in the first period, pillaging EJ’s defense to put 20 points on the board. The Rivals responded with five points of their own to cap off the first period 20-5 Bellevue.

The Rivals endured the initial wave of scoring and pushed back in the second period. They traded blows with the Vikings by way of solid inside scoring from junior forward Alyssa Vandenberg and improved defense to hold Bellevue Christian at bay in the second. The teams scored nine points apiece, with a 29-14 scoreline at halftime.

The Vikings regained the momentum after the half and added 16 more points while EJ managed just eight.

Vandenberg powered through to earn more buckets inside the paint, but the Rivals were stifled on both sides of the court, with the scoreboard reading 45-22 Bellevue Christian following the third period.

The final period was more of the same as the Vikings scored eight points and EJ notched two, with a final tally of 53-24 in favor of Bellevue Christian.

Vandenberg led the Rivals in scoring with 13 points. Sophomore Abigayle Liske had four points, and freshman Rennie O’Donnell netted a three-pointer in the second period.

The Rivals girls hold a record of 0-8 (0-7 conference record) and were expected to face Seattle Christian School Monday away from home.