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Before the game, head coach for Grizzlies, coach Gary Stoddard stated, “[In this game] I hope to see execution on offence, improvement, and to run the full game and stay up with our opponent.”

The Lady Grizzlies kept up well with the Tigers. Vanessa Ramirez sunk two threes in the beginning of the game for the Grizzlies and Yo Sasorith also shot a three. Each team scored every time they were on their side of the court. Fouls were called left and right on both teams. Both teams reached the 1-1 foul shot after ten team fouls.

“[We] Need to always remember a game is not over till the final buzzer,” stated assistant coach Jason Gurrola, “We played hard the first half, only down one and the second we lost control; we always need to stay focused.”

Ashlee Halopoff, point guard for the Grizzlies, owned three fouls in the first quarter due to reaching. Halopoff had to sit out the second quarter because she was in foul trouble. The Grizzlies were in the lead by seven. Then the Tigers put on their moves and caught up very quickly with the score of the Grizzlies.

As half time arrived the score was 24-25, Delano taking the lead. Third quarter all starters were back in, and ready to push the ball up the court as fast as they could. The Grizzlies ran a zone offence that worked very well by stealing passes and not letting the Tigers score. On the other hand, when it was not ran properly, the ball was passed inside to Delano’s center.

“I think we played great until they caught up and we just gave up, we should play hard until the buzzer goes off at the end of the fourth quarter.” said Ramirez.

Fourth quarter and many fouls were called on the Grizzlies. With five minutes left, Halopoff fouled out. Emily Fechner reached a total of four fouls. Yo Sasorith got a fast break, laid it up to score and came down with a cramp in her left leg. She was carried off the court by her teammates and was out the remaining five minutes.

“We did [well], but just not good enough, we needed to play better D and close out.” Said Sasorith

Substitution was a big part in the game. While the Delano Tigers had a cycle of five in-five out, the Grizzlies had most of their starters in foul trouble, which really hurt the Grizzlies.

By the end of the game, Halopoff had four points, one rebound, one steal, and three assists. Fechner held four fouls, 29 rebounds, 14 points, and two steals. Lupita Flores; three fouls, 10 rebounds, and 5 points. Sasorith had; 2 fouls, 9 rebounds, and 12 points, three assists, and three steals. Ramirez; three fouls, 4 rebounds, and four points. Esmeralda; two fouls, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Stephanie Castillo; 1 foul, and 1 rebound. Chelsea Dillahunty had; 1 foul, 5 points, 6 rebounds. Jessica Riviera; 1 foul and one steal. Sandra Diaz; 2 fouls, and one assist. Cyndie Alvarado; 2 rebounds and 1 point. As a team for the Lady Grizzlies they had over twenty turnovers which did not help them.

“I think if we would’ve went in strong the second half, we could’ve beat them,” stated Alvarado, “We are a good and strong team, we just need to stay pumped up and also believe that we can win!”

First game of the second round of EYL and the grizzlies were beat. A tough competition was what was on the court Friday night. Even though the Lady Grizzlies lost they still have one last chance to prepare for every other team.

The next home game for the Lady Grizzlies is Jan. 28 against Tulare Union Redskins. They hope to accomplish more each and every game and work harder to earn that “W.”