Another rough shooting night doomed the Hermiston girls basketball team in the Laker/Nike Interstate Shootout on Wednesday, resulting in a 60-45 loss to Class 6A No. 5 Beaverton in Lake Oswego.

Were just in a cold spell, Hermiston coach Steve Hoffert said. But, playing this type of competition, its hard to get too upset about it.

By the time the tournament ended Thursday, the Dawgs will have played three teams ranked in the Top-10 at the 6A level. They took care of No. 9 Tualatin to open tournament play Monday, 56-48. Tuesday, they also had a bad night from the field, dropping a 53-43 decision to No. 7 St. Marys Academy.

Maloree Moss led Hermiston with 13 points, followed by Jeni Hoffert with 12.

Even though theyve picked up just the one win during tournament play, Hoffert said the team understands these are teams they have to play in order to assert themselves when it comes to Columbia River Conference play, which kicks off Jan. 7 at home against Hood River.

We know theres a big purpose for what were doing, Hoffert said.

Hermiston took on the Tigard Tigers on Thursday to conclude their tournament run, but the score was unavailable by press time. Check the next issue of the Herald for the game story.