Saddled with seven consecutive defeats to start its season, the Oneida girls basketball team got tired of that rut and wanted to get out.

The Indians finally did so in last Monday’s game against Holland Patent, the makeup of a snowed-out Dec. 19 game, where it beat the Golden Knights by a score of 48-40.

One could argue that Oneida settled matters early, holding HP down for long portions of the first quarter and roaring to a 14-6 lead.

But the Golden Knights didn’t go away, closing within three, 21-18, at halftime. All through the second half, Oneida stayed cool, responding to every HP push with one of its own in order to maintain its lead.

Beth Kann, with 14 points, led a balanced Indian attack. Courtney Casler poured in 11 points, while Morgan Murawski stepped up, matching Erika Newton with eight points. Jenn Rougeux added seven points.

Oneida goes for two in a row next Monday night against New Hartford, staying at home on Friday to meet Whitesboro.