Leslie Schaefer was not sure what to expect Thursday night as the Verona prep girls basketball team set out on its maiden voyage in Big Eight Conference waters.

The Wildcats senior center, however, knows what will headline the captain's log today.

"Coach is going to work us until we're blue in the face on our defense," said Schaefer, who cited a need to stop penetration and improve the weak-side help.

Coming off a season in which they earned a WIAA Division 1 state semifinal berth followed by a shift from the Southern Badger to the Big Eight, the Wildcats steadily built their lead throughout a 54-38 victory over Madison La Follette.

But coach Angie Murphy will have no trouble finding teaching points.

"I give a lot of credit to La Follette. I think they outplayed us, to be honest. I think they outplayed us," Murphy said. "I was not happy with our defense. I told their coach they deserved to win the game based on how they played compared to how we played."

Field goals on both ends of the court were difficult to come by in the first half, but Verona (2-0, 1-0 Big Eight) took a 26-15 lead into the break following an 8-2 run that included four free throws from senior Aly Bucierka.

The Wildcats also had a 7-2 spurt coming out of the half. Schaefer, a Kent State recruit who tied for game-high honors with 14 points, scored twice inside and Alex Melin added two of her 10 points.

But it was a lack of inside finishing power that troubled Schaefer and Murphy.

"I think we missed 30 points of bunnies, at least," Murphy said.

Added Schaefer: "I don't think I had a lot of confidence. I wasn't finishing my shots. When I was going up I was thinking too much, like thoughts were racing through my mind. So I just thought I needed to go up strong, I needed to keep the ball high and I needed to shut up in my head (and) not think."

La Follette (1-1, 1-1) also eventually righted itself, scoring 10 points in a span of 2 minutes to win the fourth quarter 18-17.

Lancers junior Hannah Schwartzer proved she can knock down 3-pointers, nailing four on the way to matching Schaefer's 14 points. Tariqa Bradley, who added 11 points, showed she is at her best when slashing to the basket.

But it wasn't enough to overcome 26 percent (12-for-46) shooting and 13 turnovers.

"If the girls are committed to working hard right now and not trying to coast, realizing (a top Big Eight finish) is there for them if they'll work harder than other teams in the conference, we believe we can get there," Lancers first-year coach Steve Bartow said.

"That's our goal. It's a big goal, but why not? I don't go into the season trying to play for third or fourth or fifth place. That's not who I am and our girls aren't that way either."

Neither are Murphy and the Wildcats.

"Obviously, we're not going to be disappointed with the win, but we've got high expectations for these kids," Murphy said. "It's just back to working."