A year ago Vallivue gave Baker its only loss in a 21-1 regular season.

That added a little spice to Friday’s nonleague girls basketball game at BHS.

Baker led just twice — the opening basket and again with 2 minutes left in the game — before edging the Falcons 49-46.

“That was fun,” Baker coach Mat Sand said. “I like games like that. The grit these girls play with; the heart they play with. They don’t back down from any team.”

Playing without injured post Rose Gwillim, the Bulldogs showed their balance.

Sydney Younger scored 16 points and Isabella Nemec came off the bench to lead the Bulldogs with 19 points.

Baker led 2-0 to start the first quarter before trailing 14-9 at the break.

The Bulldogs then trailed by as many as nine points in the second quarter before closing to 24-20 at halftime.

Vallivue opened the third period with an 8-0 run to take a 32-24 advantage.

Baker again battled back to pull within 39-34 entering the fourth quarter.

A three-point basket by Sydney Keller and a pair of free throws by Younger pulled Baker even at 39-39 with 6:41 left in the game.

Vallivue then regained a 5-point lead before Baker again rallied.

A three-pointer from Younger and two free throws each from Nemec and Keller gave Baker a 48-46 cushion with 26.6 seconds left in the game.

Vallivue had one last chace to tie the game with 4.7 seconds left but couldn’t get a shot off.

Baker (2-0) travels to Homedale today.

VALLIVUE (46)

Boles 5 0-0 12, Abrego, Parker, Hruza 4 2-4 11, Gonzales 2 0-0 4, Morrison 4 0-0 8, Stamp 0 1-2 1, Martinez 3 0-0 8, Hughes 1 0-0 2. Totals 19 3-6 46.

BAKER (49) –

Elms, Keller 2 2-7 7, Younger 6 3-4 16, Ramos 2 1-3 5, Carter 1 0-0 2, Nemec 6 5-5 19, Benson. Totals 17 11-19 49.

Vallivue -14 10 15 7 — 46

Baker – 9 11 14 15 — 49

Three-point baskets — Boles 2, Hruza, Martinez 2, Keller, Younger, Nemec 2. Fouled out — Gonzales. Total fouls — Vallivue 18, Baker 12. Technicals — none.