The Lady Lobos lost to Highland Christian 10-42 on Saturday afternoon at Lopez High School, in their first home game in almost three weeks. The Lady Knights, an experienced all-senior team, took their time against the Lady Lobos, and played a good tight defense. But basic issues like traveling and some unnecessary fouling still hampered the game on both sides.

The Lady Lobos tried hard under the net to place their shots but they were being too careful and the Lady Knights, who played aggressive in-your-face basketball, capitalized left and right. The Knights’ defense was productive, stealing the ball in the air and during passes and the Lady Knights thundered down the court to gain lucrative points. The Lady Lobos appeared more confident by the second half, but still exhibited some uncertainty with offensive set ups and in their approach to the key. Sarah Stanley, however, kept the drive alive in the key and under the basket but the Lady Knights had their scoring plays in place, and at the start of the second quarter the young women lagged 2-16.

The Lady Lobos came off the bench with excellent zeal, but their scoring was hampered by timidity under the basket and mistakes in getting the ball to colleagues on offensive plays. The Knights didn’t make it easy for them, either; the Highland Christian team played a deeper bench and a far more experienced team. However, the Lady Lobos had their share of breakaways. Lyra Dalton had some blazing sprints down the court and Stanley’s ability to ghost her opponent in and around the key was inspiring.

The Lady Lobos picked up the pace as the second quarter wore on and but still were not able to get close enough to score. Lexy Ogden did her best to put the ball up there but defensive interference thwarted many of her attempts. The Lady Lobos had an unsuccessful run at points, though they kept up the pressure and their spirit on the court.

The Lady Lobos played again on Tuesday, Jan. 20 against Grace Academy at Grace.