The Packers girls basketball team put up its best defensive effort of the season as it dominated from start to finish in a 54-18 win over Faribault in Ove Berven Gym Monday.

The Packers (5-10 overall, 3-7 Big Nine) blitzed the Falcons (2-16 overall, 0-12 Big Nine) with a full court trapping press in the second half and they outscored Faribault 33-4 in the frame.

Austin started the game on an 11-0 run over eight minutes and it put together a 21-2 run over the first 14 minutes of the second half.

“We talked about being aggressive and we wanted to make sure we didn’t come out flat,” Austin head coach Todd Johnson said. “We haven’t earned the right to just show up and we have to play hard every game. I thought the kids responded very well.”

Mer Gach had 17 points and nine rebounds for the Packers, who weren’t about to look past the Falcons.

“We were struggling to get a win,” Gach said. “Somehow we found a way to get back on that level to win. We had to play them like they were any other team.”

Austin’s defensive pressure came in waves as Shayley Vesel had four steals and Kelsey Sederquest, Merideth Fritz and Alex Hansen all had three steals.

Hansen, who added two points and six rebounds, has used this season to come back from an ACL tear that she suffered at the end of last season.

“I feel good,” Hansen said. “I’m at full strength and I’m going out there and do what I can to help the team. I’m giving it my all on both ends of the court.”

Ruth Koang, a 6-3 freshman, stepped up in the win for the Packers as she had six points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Koang impressed her coach and teammates by not backing down after she was knocked to the ground twice while battling for rebounds.

“I thought Ruth responded well tonight,” Johnson said. “I thought she played her best game this season and it was fun to watch her. We’re hoping that Ruth’s time will increase and her play will be better down the stretch.”

Austin will play at Winona Friday at 7:15 p.m. The Packers lost 59-57 to the Winhawks Jan. 3.

“I believe we played together as a team [tonight] more than we have all season,” Hansen said. “I think we’re ready for Winona.”

Faribault 12 4 — 18

Austin 21 33 — 54

Austin scoring: Mer Gach, 17; Shayley Vesel, 10; Ruth Koang, 6; Merideth Fritz, 6; Amber Hansen, 4; Jaidyn Bastian, 3; Alex Hansen, 2; Kelsey Sederquest, 2; Sydney Murphy, 2; Francina Rocamora, 2; free throws: 44 percent (8-for-18); rebounds: 47 (Gach, 9); turnovers: 19