The Mauston Golden Eagles girls basketball team came up short in their rally attempt falling to Sparta 58-56 in each team’s season opener. Mauston fell behind 56-43 with only a few minutes left in the game.  Mauston went on a 13-2 run to and the game and had a chance to tie it but Bre Heller’s midrange jumper in the lane fell off the rim and Sparta gathered the rebound as time expired.  Heller led the Golden Eagles with 18points while Catie Lavold had 16points.  Lavold scored 14points in the 2nd half.  Sparta was led by Elexa Jones who finished with 14points.  Mauston falls to 0-1 and will travel to Nekoosa to open up South Central Conference play on Friday.