The Enumclaw High girls geared up for the South Puget Sound League 3A stretch run with a 57-33 victory at Clover Park Friday night.

The win improved the Hornets’ SPSL 3A record to 9-3 and kept them just a notch behind the 10-3 Bonney Lake Panthers. Those two trail the 13-0 crew from White River and all are chasing one of the top two regular-season finishes and the postseason advantage that comes with placing first or second.

The Hornet girls began the SPSL 3A homestretch Tuesday night, hosting Auburn Mountainview (7-6) and will travel to meet the middle-of-the-pack Lakes Lancers Thursday. Next week’s games start with a Tuesday trip to face the lowly Franklin Pierce squad, followed by a big regular-season finale Feb. 13 against visiting White River.

“We want to pick up the intensity right now,” coach Ted Carlson said, emphasizing his desire to gain momentum heading into the playoffs. One step toward that goal would be throttling the opposition once they get a lead. Teams have shown an ability to creep back into games after the Hornets have gained an advantage.

“We have to step up our defense when teams make a run at us,” he said.

A second-quarter outburst made all the difference during Friday’s trouncing of the winless Clover Park Warriors. A ragged first period saw the Hornets leading 9-3 but a 20-6 rally have Enumclaw a healthy lead heading into the locker room.

Mara Koplitz scored 13 points to lead the Hornet offense and Heather Hitch added 10.

Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.