Hayfield continues to improve as the season progresses, and Friday night was no exception. But the Viking girls' basketball team came up just short of its first victory in losing to host Triton, 52-49.

Hayfield dominated the match-up for the first 21 minutes of the contest, but could not connect on crucial free-throws at the end of the game to propel them ahead their Hiawatha Valley League foe.

"We have been playing better lately. I have seen a lot of improvement during our last three games." said Hayfield coach Anne Christopherson.

Three Viking girls netted their way into double digits during the contest, which is the first time this season such an achievement has occurred. Lauren Burmeister led the threesome with 18 points, while teammates April Cruz and Krystal Garness had 10 points apiece.

The Vikings will look for their first win of the season in Kasson-Mantorville on Tuesday night in an HVL tussle.