The Goshen Eagles battled back from a 15deficient only to fall short 55-52 against the Carroll Eagles.

The Class 6A Carroll Eagles, offered the Eagles their first real big test of the season.

“I thought we did pretty good,” said Goshen head coach Fred Lowery. “They showed me that they have a lot of heart. We are going to be a pretty good basketball team (but) we are not where we want to be.”

The Eagles (2-4) soared to a quick start, thanks to multiple turnovers that led to easy fast break points.

Missed layups in the first quarter proved crucial for the Eagles when Carroll was able to go on an 8-3 run, closing the Eagles’ lead to only one point. Carroll began the second quarter on a 21-0 run, giving them a 29-15 lead before Bre Griffin was able to end the run on a layup.

The Eagles entered halftime trailing, 31-17. After outscoring Carroll in the first quarter 15-14 Carroll came back and outscored Goshen 16-2.

The Eagles scored the third quarter’s first five points, cutting the deficit to 12 points thanks to Griffin’s efforts. The freshman scored 19 points in the third and fourth quarters.

“She has been the player for us,” Lowery said. “She is going to be a great basketball player she is just a freshman.”

Goshen made a full-hearted attempt to come back in the fourth quarter and tied the game at 45 with 3:30 remaining, when Griffin knocked down an important two points.

“It says a lot about the heart in these kids,” Lowery said. “It shows that they are not quitters, and that they won’t give up.”

Carroll locked down defensively and snagged key rebounds for the second chance. With under a minute remaining Griffin knocked down a jump shot to bring Goshen to within three points with just over two seconds remaining. After a Goshen timeout the Eagles tried to quickly foul Carroll but the inbound pass went up the court, giving Carroll the three point win.

Griffin led the Trojans on the night with 28 points while her sister Shimiya Griffin finished with 14.

The Goshen Eagles will try and rebound quickly when they head to play Providence High School this evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.