Splitting their first two games in the West Coast Jamboree, Escalon’s varsity basketball girls were scheduled to play in the consolation championship on Monday morning, after The Times went to press.

Because of the New Year’s holiday, the paper went to press early and a score from the game was not available.

Leading up to the consolation title game, however, the Lady Cougars lost their opening round game on Friday and then took a win on Saturday. Games were at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, said coach Joe Dalpogetti.

“We started out Friday and played Corcoran,” Dalpogetti said. “We lost 38-34. We came out flat, which is uncharacteristic for us.”

The teams traded points, 11-11, in the first quarter, then Corcoran had a slight 10-6 edge in the second quarter to lead 21-17. The teams again traded points in the second half, each putting in 17 as the Corcoran squad held on for the slim win.

Claudia Gomez had 13 points to lead the Lady Cougars, Melissa Mullins added eight.

“Saturday we faced the host team, Ygnacio Valley and we got a 33-12 win,” Dalpogetti said.

A 10-2 first quarter run set the tone for the varsity girls and they enjoyed a 17-8 lead at the half. Though they didn’t hit double digits in any quarter but the first, they stayed a few points better than their opponent all the way through, including 8-2 margins in both the third and fourth quarters.

“Claudia Gomez had 14 points, Maggie Casteel added five,” Dalpogetti said.

The Lady Cougars raised their preseason mark to 5-8 with the split and look to go 6-8 as they take on California School for the Deaf in the consolation championship. Tip off was scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

The girls will then prepare this week for the start of Trans-Valley League play, hosting Ripon in the regular season opener at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.