The Austin girls basketball team beat Mankato East (3-7 overall, 1-6 Big Nine) 55-40 on the road Tuesday.

The Packers (4-4 overall, 4-3 Big Nine) trailed 7-0 to start the game, but they were able to battle back into the game with their defense.

“On defense, Rebecca Younis and Kelsey Sederquest were key on the top of the defense,” Austin head coach Todd Johnson said. “Ruth [Koang] played really good defense in the post to contain their 6-4 kid.”

Shayley Vesel and Awenia Nywesh each scored 15 points for the Packers.

Austin 19 36 — 55

East 18 22 — 40

Austin scoring: Shayley Vesel, 15; Awenia Nywesh, 15; Ashley Hawkshead, 14; Ruth Koang, 7; Amber Hansen, 2; Kelsey Sederquest, 2; free throws: 13-for-23