ISHPEMING — The Kingsford Flivvers got off to a rocky start against the host Westwood Patriots on Friday night and never recovered in their 74-45 loss at Westwood High School.

Under defensive pressure from the Patriots, the Flivvers feel behind 22-6 after the opening quarter. Kingsford basically played even with Westwood in the second quarter, trailing by 18 at the break, but the Patriots outscored the Flivvers 22-5 in the third quarter to take overwhelming 60-25 advantage.

“We knew they were going to press,” Kingsford coach Jon Lorenzoni said. “We just did not execute. Our halfcourt defense was lackluster at best in the first half.”

Senior Natalie Prophet, entering her fourth season on the Westwood varsity squad, scored 28 points to lead all scorers. Prophet rang up 10 in the first quarter and another 8 in the second. She also sank two 3-pointers in the second half.

“Natalie Prophet is a heck of a player,” Lorenzoni said. “A real matchup nightmare.

“That’s a good team. They will win lots of games this year,” the coach added.

Senior guard Talia Wallis played well in defeat for the Flivvers (0-2), finishing with 17 points.

“We will go back to the drawing board and get ready for another good treat as Ishpeming comes to town,” Lorenzoni said.

The Flivvers were scheduled to host Ishpeming Monday, but the game was postponed due to bad weather.

The Flivvers won the JV game 33-28, behind 18 points from Maddy Kreider and 10 from Anna Bortolini.

Jerry DeRoche can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or jderoche@ironmountaindailynews.com.