-
Snyder’s Kirsti Pierce attempts a field goal against Sweetwater during Friday’s game. The Lady Tigers lost 49-43 in the District 2-4A opener.
Snyder never held the lead during the District 2-4A basketball opener, but the Lady Tigers kept the game close in a 49-43 loss to Sweetwater at Tiger Gym Friday
The Lady Tigers (2-17, 0-1) did not make a field goal until 42 seconds left in the first quarter. Snyder pulled to within two points during the third quarter, but later trailed by 13 points.
Alize Conner’s 3-pointer cut Sweetwater’s lead to six points with 15 seconds left in the game. Snyder fouled and regained possession after two missed free throws. Conner attempted a 3-pointer, which fell short. The Lady Mustangs (6-14, 1-0) took possession and ran down the clock.
“I’m proud of the way the team kept battling,” Snyder head coach Brad Weese said. “We faced a lot of adverse situations, just like Sweetwater did. That made the game more interesting.”
Conner led all scorers with 21 points and Bailey Garcia, who left the game with two technical fouls midway through the third quarter, added 12 points.
Abby Garcia led Sweetwater with 12 points. Jessica Poe and Lauren Jones each scored eight points.
“When Bailey was dismissed from the game, I was not sure what was going to happen,” Weese said. “I’m proud how Alyssa Molinar, Alyssa Benitez, Nicole Martinez and Conner played. They did a good job of controlling the tempo and played at a high pace.”
Sweetwater jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the first quarter. Snyder’s first three points were on free throws by Shannon Hunter and Michelle Rios.
The Lady Tigers scored their first field goal on a jumper by Conner with 42 seconds left in the quarter.
Conner added a second field goal later in the quarter. Marissa Sanchez’ 3-pointer gave Sweetwater a 16-7 lead going into the second quarter.
Snyder started the second quarter with Garcia’s 3-pointer and a field goal by Benitez. Sweetwater increased the lead to six points before Garcia hit a second 3-pointer to cut the lead to 20-17 with 4:38 left in the first half.
Sweetwater led by seven points before Snyder cut the deficit to 24-21. Garcia and Shavy Green each sank two free throws to give Sweetwater a 28-21 halftime lead.
Conner scored six of Snyder’s eight points to start the third quarter. That helped cut the Sweetwater lead to 30-29. The Lady Mustangs scored the next six points to take a 36-29 lead.
Garcia was given two technical fouls because she argued with an official over a non-call. Poe made one of the four free throws to increase Sweetwater’s lead to 37-28. The Lady Mustangs led 39-33 going into the fourth quarter.
Sweetwater led 47-34 in the fourth quarter following an 8-1 run.
“We lost by six points and missed nine free throws,” Weese said. “Sweetwater had five offensive rebounds in the first quarter. We can’t allow that to happen. I’m proud of how we bounced back from the slow start. We made up points and got within six points and had a chance.”
Weese also said the crowd gave his team an extra boost.
“Our crowd was awesome and motivated the players,” he said. “I hope they will come to every district home game. They were a big factor in giving a big push to the players.”
In other district games, Levelland defeated Lubbock Estacado 67-51 and Big Spring defeated Lamesa, 50-30.
The Lady Tigers will play at Lamesa Tuesday. The Snyder JV Gold and Black teams’ games will start at 5 p.m. The varsity game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Sweetwater 16 12 11 10—49
Snyder 7 14 12 10—43
Sweetwater scorers — Abby Garcia 12, Jessica Poe 8, Lauren Jones 8, Sonora Medellin 7, Shavy Green 7, Tavis Black 4, Marissa Sanchez 3.
Snyder scorers — Alize Conner 21, Bailey Garcia 12, Alyssa Benitez 3, Alyssa Molinar 2, Nicole Martinez 2, Shannon Hunter 2, Michelle Rios 1.
JV Black
The Snyder JV Black lost to Sweetwater, 34-22.
Jordan Phillips, Marisol Molinar and Angela Murillo each scored six points.
Snyder scorers — Jordan Phillips 6, Marisol Molinar 6, Angela Murillo 6, Hailie Avalos 2, Krissida Trevino 1, Sara McClain 1.