The Arabians have been battling through a tough district season this year as they recently took an unfortunate loss form Lytle and then bounced back for the win against Carrizo Springs. With a district record of 6-3 and overall 13-16, the girls will have finished up the season as of Tuesday when they faced the final game against Hondo.
Against Lytle, the Arabians struggled to gain a lead, however they were able to fight their way back up from a big point difference to give the Lady Pirates a run for their money. It came down to the fourth quarter, and although the Arabians had put up a good fight, the time ran out before the girls could get the lead back. The Arabians took the loss 32-37. Scoring for the Arabians was Alyssa Schmidt with 10, Lyandra Zulaica 6, Baylee Quisenberry 5, Kailee Ramirez 4, Estefany Robledo 3, Jodee Wofford 2, and Elyse Espinoza 2. Rebounding for Devine was Alyssa Schmidt with 8, Kailee Ramirez 6, Jodee Wofford 3, Elyse Espinoza 3, Jordan Zapata 1, and Estefany Robledo 1.
“We did not get off to a good start in the Lytle game. We did not get out to a quick start in the first quarter and played a bit tentative. We got several good looks in the second quarter but we were unable to convert on any of these looks and got down 10 points at half. We had a very good second half erasing a 16 point deficit to come back and take a one point lead late in the game. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold on to this lead late in the game. Despite the loss I was very pleased with the effort put forth by team,” coach Jim Sessions said.
Devine jumped back in their normal routine by the time of the Carrizo Springs game. After getting through the first quarter, the team relaxed and played their game. The Arabians executed well, and their efforts landed them another district win 56-30. Alyssa Schmidt led the team with 16 points, Kailee Ramirez 7, Elyse Espinoza 7, Kara Stacy 7, Ashley Trivino 7, Estefany Robledo 4, Jordan Zapata 4, Lyandra Zulaica 2, and Jodee Wofford 2. Alyssa Schmidt also had 8 rebounds along with Kailee Ramirez with 8, Jordan Zapata 6, Jodee Wofford 4, Estefany Robledo 4. Kara Stacy 2, and Elyse Espinoza 1.
“The team got back into the win column at Carrizo Springs. We were able to get out and play some aggressive man defense and that really got us rolling in the second quarter. We followed that with a good scoring 3rd quarter to take control of the game. We struggled a bit at the beginning of the game but once we settled down we played well,” coach Sessions said.
The Arabians played Hondo this past Tuesday to wrap up the district season, The girls fought through hard competition, however, the Arabians were unable to come out with a win against the Lady Owls. Devine took a tough loss, but the girls still claimed a spot in the playoff season and moved on to play Rockport Fulton at Beeville high school on Feb. 11.
“We had a good start in the Hondo game out-scoring them 12-9 in the first quarter. We cooled off a bit in the second quarter and then we struggled in the second half. Hondo’s depth really affected us toward the end of the game. The girls have done a good job of putting the Hondo game behind them and focusing on playoffs,” coach Sessions said.
The Arabians definitely focused in their bi-district game. The girls were in the zone as they got a lead on the Rockport Fulton Pirates and finished out the game with a win. The team played well, and in the end their efforts won the game 40-32 sending Devine to the Area game. The Arabians will be playing for the Area title on Friday, Feb. 15 against Zapata in Alice.