In the Pleasanton JV tournament, the Lady Mustangs JV1 team led by Coach Elvia Loza, faced Pleasanton, Stockdale, and Jourdanton last weekend. The team went 1-2 after two days of double elimination games.
Facing Pleasanton in their first game, the Lady Mustangs struggled to keep the ball on their side of the court and lost 23-36. Meg Martinez 4 points, McAyla Ruiz 2, Naomi Garcia 11, and Heidi Vasquez 6.
Stockdale lost to Pearsall in the first round and when they faced Natalia, the Lady Mustangs could not corral the Lady Brahmans and lost 8-32. Martinez 4 points, Vasquez 2, Karla Covarrubias 2.
In their final game against Jourdanton, the Lady Mustangs fell into foul trouble with 2:30 left in the first quarter but their tough defense held the score to 12-6 over the Squaws. In the second quarter, foul trouble and double bonus free throws allowed Jourdanton to get up by the end of the half 24-21.
Natalia kept its small lead over the Squaws at 31-28 at the end of the third but too many fouls put Natalia in trouble with players fouling out and allowing Jourdanton free throws. Jourdanton tied the game at 37-37 with 40 seconds left. With time running out, Meg Martinez sank a free throw to put the Lady Mustangs in the lead. The clock ran out with Natalia on top 38-37. Martinez 6, Kamryn Alderete 7, Martinez 9, McAyla 6, Garcia 4, Ebony Velasquez 1, and Covarrubias 2.
“Didn’t quite turn out like we would have liked with the wins but it helped us see where we need to make adjustments to prepare for our district season.” Coach Loza
The JV1 Lady Mustangs will compete in the Pearsall Sub-Varsity Tournament this weekend and then face Uvalde at home Tuesday November 25th.
Lady Mustangs JV2
With their growing athletic department, Natalia is able to form a second junior varsity team to play freshman teams. They had their first true test last weekend when they played in the Pleasanton Freshman Tournament. Facing Pleasanton and Stockdale on Friday, the Lady Mustangs lost both games and then faced Jourdanton on Saturday. This was their best game of the tournament as they kept it a close game with the Squaws’ JV2 team.
“The JV2 learned a lot this weekend and developed some confidence. We are getting better every day.” Coach Doug Lum
By Dicy Chambers
Sports Writer