JV Lady Mules vs. Floydada & Abernathy Shootout (12-9&11-13-2014)

JV Lady Mules vs. Floydada & Abernathy Shootout (12-9&11-13-2014)

The JV Lady Mules seem to believe in keeping things exciting at times and then at other times just run rough shod over the competition. Against the Floydada Lady Winds Tuesday night it was exciting. The Lady Mules just eased past the Winds 33-27.

In the first game of the Abernathy Shootout the Lady Mules only allowed the New Deal Lady Lions three points during the game. The Lady Mules took the day 35-3.

Friday the Lady Mules knew they had little in their favor when they took on the host Abernathy Lady Lopes. The Lady Mules got after the Lopes early and did not let up until near the end. The Lady Mules defeat Abernathy 36-29.

The biggest challenge of the tournament came in the championship game Saturday when the Lady Mules faced the Nazareth Swiftettes. The Lady Mules fell behind early but after that it was an even battle. The Lady Mules placed second in the Shootout by losing to the Swiftettes 26-22.

The Lady Mules and Floydada were even after the first period Tuesday but came out swing in the second period to take a 17-13 lead by the intermission. They added two points to their margin in the third period and then cruised through the final period.

“We squeezed by again,” said Lady Mule coach Edie Niblett. “We have to learn to take advantage of the clock when we are in a tight game. I am proud of all the girls for their awesome hustle till the very end.”

“Imelda Salcido did a great job of helping handle the ball and scoring at crucial times. Brittney Mendoza led the Lady Mules with five steals and 10 points.”

Salcido finished with seven points and Yasmine Sandoval had six. Marissa Reyes dropped in four points. Jasmine Garza, Karla Bustillos and Marilyn Melendez chipped in two points each.

New Deals only three points came in the third period. The Lady Mules ran out to an 18-0 first period lead and extended it to 25-0 at the intermission. The Lady Mules added 10 points in the second half for the win.

“The girls jumped all over New Deal in the first quarter with our press,” continued Niblett. Everyone got plenty of playing time.”

Garza led the way with 11 points and Melendez finished with six. Gloria Gonzales, Mendoza and Reyes added four points each. Desi Gutierrez, Sandoval and Hallie Myatt chipped in two points each.

Abernathy could not match up with the Lady Mules in the first period and the Lady Mules rode the lead through the game.

“We just out hustled the girls from Abernathy to get the win,” stated Coach Niblett. “We had 22 turnovers and were still able to clinch the win. This team works harder every game. Reyes led the Lady Mules with 11 points.”

Gutierrez finished with eight points and Sandoval made seven. Garza finished with five points, Mendoza added four and Melendez chipped in one point.

Nazareth jumped out to a 10-5 lead in the opening period but after that it was an even battle with both teams scoring six points in both the second and third periods. The Lady Mules made up a point in the final period by out scoring the Swiftettes 5-4.

“This will go down as a win in my book,” continued Coach Niblett. We got our scored in the first quarter but I can not express in words how proud I am of this group. They played their hearts out. They had nothing left and did everything I asked if them plus more. They just keep on keeping on!”

Gutierrez led the scoring for the Lady Mules with eight points. Mendoza and Reyes dropped in four points each. Myatt dropped in three points, Melendez had two and Garza chipped in one point.

The Lady Mules traveled to Lubbock Roosevelt to play the Lady Eagles Tuesday night. The Lady Mules will take the Christmas break and will return to action January 6 when they host the Bovina Lady Mustangs.