East Aurora’s girls basketball team earned a split in its two most recent games after coming up just short of an upset of one of the area’s perennially strong girls programs Friday.

East Aurora’s defense was on its game when it took on Pioneer, but the Lady Panthers hit a couple of big shots in the end to win a tight game, 44-38. East Aurora battled all night long behind the strong play of Erin Nason (15 points, two rebounds), Taylor Potenza (nine points, three assists, two blocks, two steals), Emily Nason (five points, two assists) and Emily Kasprzyk (three points, five rebounds, five blocks).

Erin Nason in particular was a key to East Aurora’s success throughout the night, as she attacked the rim, drew fouls and played with physicality at the defensive end of the court.

“While the loss was disappointing, we played hard and battled with one of the best girls basketball programs in Western New York,” coach Gary Schutrum said.

East Aurora entered the game riding the positive momentum of its 37-19 win over Maryvale Jan. 19. Kaley LaForce provided quality minutes on both sides of the ball in backing up Potenza at point guard, and her teammates’ defensive effort severely limited the Lady Flyers’ offensive effectiveness.

Emily Nason led the way for East Aurora with 15 points, two assists and two steals, while Erin Nason chipped in with eight points and two steals. Kasprzyk contributed four points, four rebounds, four blocks and two assists, while Lizzy O’Leary added four points and three rebounds. Potenza finished with two points, six assists, five rebounds and two blocks.

“Our play in the defensive end was the difference in the game,” Schutrum said.

East Aurora (7-4, 5-2 ECIC III) returned to action Tuesday against Springville, but information about that contest was not available at press time. The Lady Blue Devils host Amherst this evening and then will complete their game against Depew at 6 p.m. Friday after Jan. 17’s contest was suspended midway through due to a power outage.