The Mountain View High School girls’ hoops team welcomed Pinedale to the Buffalo Dome Friday night, and gave the No. 1 team in the state in 3A all they could handle, taking the Lady Wranglers to two overtimes before running out of steam in a 62-60 loss.

“It was a fun one,” said MV head coach Jessica Moretti. “I wish it had come out the other way, but that’s all right. I think we had hit a bit of a lull after that Lander game, so for the girls to respond like that, and come back with that energy and focus — it was a great game for us.”

Pinedale (12-1, 2-0 in 3A West) got things rolling early, and led 15-11 after a quarter of play. The Lady Buffs (9-4, 1-2 in 3A West) battled back to win the second quarter 10-9, but still trailed at the break, 24-20.

Mountain View took control in the third, outsourcing the Lady Wranglers 16-11 to take a 36-35 lead into the fourth quarter. By the end of regulation, the two teams were back at even, 48-48.

Both teams scored four points apiece in the first OT; Pinedale finally gained the upper hand in the second, outsourcing the Lady Buffs 10-8 to escape with the 62-60 win.

McKinlee Covolo had a monster game, recording a double-double with 31 points and 22 rebounds. Kodi Allred finished with seven points and eight rebounds, while Addison Hickey — who had to leave the game in the third quarter due to an injury, and was unable to return — added six points and four rebounds. Charlee Porter chipped in five points, but really made her presence felt on the boards, pulling down 12.

“McKinlee Covolo had an outstanding game — 31 points, 22 rebounds,” Moretti said. “Just a phenomenal game. Charlee Porter — just her leadership on the floor. Addison Hickey actually went down at the very end of the third quarter with an injury, and Charlee just stepped in with that leadership, and continued to build confidence with those girls, because we still had that fourth quarter to get through without Addi. And two overtimes, as well. I think everybody but one scored, so everyone contributed to the success on the night.”

Addy Stephens finished with four points, while McKayla Lym and Abby Wells added three points apiece. Emma Linford closed out the scoring with a point.

“Honestly, our rebounding was really working for us,” Moretti explained. “We definitely outrebounded them, and that was our goal going into the game — we had to make sure it was a one-and-done situation, as much as we could with that team. They have a high shooting percentage, so I knew winning the boards would be key for us.”

Asked what other aspect of the game seemed to be working against the No. 1 team in 3A, Moretti said play in the half court.

“We still had our turnovers, and I think that’s something we need to continue to work on,” she explained. “But we did value possessions better in the half, so I was really pleased with that. Everybody, with their effort, and their grit — they just played their hearts out, they worked so hard.”

As for what clicked following the tough loss last week against Lander, Moretti said the girls changed their mindset after a film session.

“We watched film on that Lander game, and film doesn’t lie,” Moretti said. “We went through some stats I thought were really important — key pieces, bringing to light some of the things we’re doing, but could be so much better at. They have to show up every single game, every single quarter. Those reminders that we’re here to compete. And the girls were definitely ready to go.”

It’s tough to lose a hard-fought game, especially at home. But Moretti said this one will go a long way toward building some momentum moving forward.

“I think the takeaway was just how proud I was of these girls — we took the No. 1 team in the state to double overtime,” Moretti said. “I think the girls recognizing the circumstances of having one of our best players out at the end of the game built some big confidence with the young girls, the ones I’ll need to be looking to as we get into this part of the season. I think it was a huge confidence-builder, and hopefully we can continue to build off of that.”

The Lady Buffalos are on the road this week, first at Kemmerer Thursday for a non-conference matchup, then Friday at Lyman for a conference showdown with their Bridger Valley rival.

“With Lyman, once the ball is tipped, we have to be ready to go,” Mortetti said. “They’re a scrappy team, so we have to make sure we show up and play four quarters. Just keeping that mindset is key. We had a great game with them the first time around, so we just need to play solid defense and make sure we win the boards. Value those possessions and set up in the half — working to get everyone on the same page.”