Following two close wins to begin the year, the Pella Christian girls’ basketball team stumbled a bit in their first conference game with Newton, losing 64 – 50. The young Eagles responded well, however, despite a daunting schedule ahead of them, winning their next three. Coach Kevin Van Maanen says his team’s defensive prowess excelled to help them get back on track. Pella Christian allowed just around 39 points per game during that stretch to improve their record to 5 – 1. Van Maanen adds he does feel his team took a step backwards in a loss to Pella High right before the Christmas break. The Eagles are back at it at Albia this Monday.