Lady Lions fall 47-28 to Hempstead in home opener

By Alonzo Garza
POST-REGISTER

The Varsity Lady Lions hosted the Hempstead Ladycats at the Lion’s Den on Friday, Nov. 14 in their home opener. The Lady Lions fell 47-28 after staying close to the Ladycats during the first half of the game.

The first quarter ended at 8-6 with the Ladycats in the lead. Hempstead maintained the lead until the end of the gam

e.

The second quarter ended at 18-14, the third ended at 21-32 and the fourth ended the game at 47-28.

“The second half proved to be more difficult for the Lady Lions with the Ladycats outscoring them 14-7 in the third quarter and 15-7 in the fourth,” Coach Melissa Fisher said. “The Lady Lions struggled playing disciplined defense putting Hempstead in the bonus early in the second half and sending them to the free throw line a total of 23 times in the game, 19 of which came in the second half alone.”

The Ladycats made 10 of 23 free throws, helping them secure a victory. The Lady Lions also had trouble rebounding successfully. Hempstead had 37 rebounds to the Lady Lions’ 29.

“Another factor contributing to the loss were the turnovers due to the Ladycats’ fast defensive guard play and the intense pressure, they put in the paint. They gave our inside post play great difficulties,” Fisher said.

The Lady Lions continued to fight throughout the entire game, despite the point deficit.

“The Lady Lions never gave up until the last buzzer,” Fisher said. “The kind of fight the Lady Lions displayed was great to see. They showed amazing play at times and the task ahead is making the outstanding play consistent on both ends of the ball.”

Vanessa Gonzales led the charge up to the end of the game. She showed the most fight on the defensive side of the ball, according to Fisher.

Fisher also recognized the efforts of other players including Alisha Officer, who led the scoring with a total of eight points.

“Alisha made quality plays on both sides of the ball,” Fisher said. “She made six out of 10 free throws. Tory Hill made two three-pointers and took a charge inside the paint. Kariah Selby added intensity to the level of play on the defensive side after coming off the bench.”

The Lady Lions traveled to Austin to play against Austin Reagan on Tuesday, Nov. 18 and will travel to Bastrop to face the Lady Bears on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.

agarza@post-register.com