CHEBOYGAN — Hillman Tigers junior varsity (JV) girls basketball team suffered their first loss of the season Tuesday night, losing to the Cheboygan Chiefs with a final score of 26-22.

The loss brings the Tigers’ overall record to 9-1, though they remain 2-0 in North Star League (NSL) play. The contest was a defensive stalemate from the opening tip. Hillman went into the locker room at halftime trailing by just a single point, 14-13.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point as the Chiefs’ defense tightened, stifling the Tigers’ rhythm and limiting them to just three points in the frame. By the start of the fourth quarter, Hillman found themselves staring at a 22-16 deficit.

The Tigers outscored Cheboygan 6-4 in the fourth quarter. While Hillman managed to close the gap, the clock proved to be their toughest opponent, as the Chiefs held on to secure the four-point victory.

Despite the loss, several Tigers turned in strong individual performances on both ends of the floor.

Torri Brown led the scoring effort with seven points and hauled in six rebounds. Madelyn Tucker scored six points, six rebounds, and a team-high of five steals. Raelyn Konieczny contributed four points and two rebounds in the interior.

The Tigers JV girls face a three-game road trip next week with matchups against Rogers City, Tawas, and Fairview.