JV L.Mules vs. Dimmitt (1-12-2016)

JV L.Mules vs. Dimmitt (1-12-2016)

The JV Lady Mules lost their first game of the season to Shallowater on a 3-pointer just prior to the final buzzer. The Lady Mules were determined not to allow that to happen in Dimmitt against the Bobbies.

The Lady Mules raced out to a 15-7 lead by the intermission and may have hit the cruise control a bit early. Dimmitt out scored the Lady Mules 8-2 in the third period to cut the Lady Mule lead to 17-15.

Dimmitt took the lead in the fourth period and Marilyn Melendez posted up and scored to tie the game as the final seconds ticked away. The game was tied at 22-22. The Lady Mules battle their way through three four-minute overtimes. Brianne Barron made a driving lay up to win the game for the Lady Mules.

“We had not one, not two but three over times that were exhausting and grueling,” said Lady Mule coach Edie Niblett. “Lillie Barrera led our offense with 12 points while Marilyn Melendez and Brianna Barron kept our defense focused on not allowing Dimmitt to take control of the game.”

“Our girls were completely drained but dug down deep and finished in classic Lady Mule style.”  

Barrera opened the scoring for the Lady Mules with a hoop. Barron drove for a lay up on a fast break and later added a free throw. Gloria Gonzalez made a free throw to end the first quarter with the Lady Mules leading 6-1.

Karla Bustillos dropped in the first hoop for the Lady Mules in the second period. She later added a second basket. Barrera was busy in the second period and scored two baskets and completed an old-fashion three-point play by converting the free throw after her second hoop. The Lady Mules led 15-7 at the half.

Only Barron and Melendez made a free throw each in the third period. The Bobbies had cut the Lady Mule lead to 17-15 after three quarters.

Barrera made a free throw to start the final period. Melendez made two baskets with the second hoop tying the game.

“We started the game hard but as the momentum of the game slowed the Bobbies saw it as an opportunity for a come back,” said Lillie Barrera. “We played hard in the fourth period and had to remember all of the fundamentals we had learned.”

“In the first overtime period, we realized it would take a lot of effort to win the game. We played as a team all the way to the end. We were exhausted but Coach Niblett and Coach Sudduth reminded us that no one has as much heart as the Lady Mules. We never quit and played hard to the very end.”

Ricarda Elizalde scored the only hoop for the Lady Mules in the first overtime. Barrera scored in the second overtime and Melendez chipped in a free throw to keep the game tied. Valarie Ambriz made two free throws to start the final four minutes. Barron’s driving lay up clinched the win for the Lady Mules.

Barrera led the charge for the Lady Mules with 12 points. Melendez finished with six points. Barron and Bustillos made four points each. Ambriz and Elizalde added two points each and Gonzales chipped in one point.

The Lady Mules hosted the Friona Squaws Tuesday evening and then will travel to Tulia Friday January 22 to play the Hornets.