Just one game was on the schedule this past week for Escalon’s Lady Cougars basketball teams, with the varsity and JV each taking a loss.
They hosted Riverbank to open up the second round of Trans-Valley League play on Thursday, Jan. 25.
The varsity fell by a 58-45 decision. The game was close through three quarters, said head coach Joseph Dalpogetti.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have an answer for Rayne Tago, their post. We had to send a second body to her in the fourth and Chancis Gamez made us pay with two 3’s that helped create that 13-point separation,” Dalpogetti said. “We were all knotted up at 13 after the first quarter and trailed by five at the half.”
Riverbank came in with a solid game plan and used steady outside shooting to gradually pull away before Escalon battled back.
“Riverbank opened it up to an 11-point lead in the third but we cut it to two and ultimately trailed 42-39 heading into the fourth,” said Dalpogetti.
The Lady Bruins had their biggest quarter of the night in the fourth, scoring 16 points to Escalon’s six to take the win.
“After winning 19 straight to start the season we have now lost two out of three to sit at 20-2 so we do have a bitter taste in our mouths,” admitted the coach. “It just so happens that the TVL has two of the other top teams in the area regardless of division. So no night will be easy in this league.”
Ari Velasco had 11 points against Riverbank while Madi Babasa put in 10. Sammy Lang had nine points and 10 rebounds; Aiden Hohenwarter added seven points.
No time to rest or reflect on the two recent losses, Escalon was due to host Ripon Christian on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. after The Times went to press. They travel Thursday, Feb. 1 to Ripon for a contest and then will be back at home for their third game of the week on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
That will be observed as Senior Night for the Lady Cougars and they also will do a youth night for local girls.
“Any girl wearing their rec, Elite or El Portal jersey will get into the game for free,” Dalpogetti said, piggybacking off the recent youth night for boys that was hosted this past Friday by the boys basketball program.
The JV girls, meanwhile, got roughed up by Riverbank on Thursday night, falling by a 29-9 final.
