After winning two consecutive non-league games, the Tyee girls basketball team fell victim to a tough start in a Wednesday 69-29 loss to Renton at home.

“We’re a lot better than we showed tonight,” observed Totem head coach Wayne Severson.”We came out slowly and let them get the jump on us. They really out rebounded us. We’ll put the components together.”

Renton dominated early against Tyee, forcing a myriad of turnovers while opening leads of 8-0 and 22-2. Only Melissa Fuavai’s outside field goal interrupted the Indian opening attack and a 10-0 run before the Totems closed within 26-7 after one quarter.

The rest of the game mirrored the first quarter, although Tyee improved its play in the second half. Running a better patterned offense, the Totems connected with passes to players cutting off the high post. Finishing the plays with field goals still stayed difficult.

Taking better care of the ball, Tyee played Renton evenly in the fourth quarter. Rebounding efforts were also better.

Arinesha Smith scored nine of her Totem team high 12 points in the second half. Smith was laboring with a deep cold that limited her endurance, including having to sit out the second quarter. Unai Uligara scored six points for Tyee while teammate Taylor McMillion scored four points with four offensive rebounds and a blocked shot in her first game since gaining eligibility. Melissa Fauvai also finished with four points.

“I enjoyed the hustle McMillion brought to the court, and it helped turn our game around,” said Severson.

Tatiana TauTau grabbed seven rebounds -- three on the offensive end -- while adding three points.

Renton’s fast- breaking attack produced three double figure scorers. Taylor Williams and Kelsey Sparks tallied 22 and 21 points, respectively. Addyson Stowers scored 10.