The Emery Lady Spartans started fast but could not keep pace with the Richfield Wildcats in a 58-53 loss Tuesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Holding a 12-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, Emery allowed 23 second quarter points as the two teams entered the break tied 27-27. Richfield garnered a slight advantage by outscoring Emery 14-9 in the third quarter, which proved to be enough for the region win.

Katelyn Nielson scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Tuesday’s loss. Aliya Lester scored nine of her 13 points from beyond the perimeter, while Kenadie Maughan chipped in with 12 points.

The Lady Spartans shot an efficient 47-percent from the field, including a 40-percent mark from the three-point line. However, turnovers played a factor in the outcome as the team committed 22 as a whole.

Tuesday’s loss drops Emery to 6-5 overall on the season, and 1-2 in Region 12 play. The team is now ranked No. 9 in the UHSAA RPI following Tuesday’s outcome.

Emery has had a busy start to the season, playing 11 games in just over four weeks. With the Christmas moratorium now upon us, the Lady Spartans will rest until Thursday, Jan. 4 when they return with a road game against the Manti Templars.

Once the season resumes, every game will be within the region for Emery. The RPI currently has five teams from the division inside the top 10.