The Española Valley Lady Sundevils had their seven-game winning streak stopped Dec. 18 in their home-opener against the Shiprock Lady Chieftains.
Shiprock won 62-44 after steadily building a lead throughout the game. The Chieftains led 11-8 after the first quarter and 26-16 at halftime.
“We cut it down to 10 points with two minutes to go, “Española coach Ron Drake said. “They pulled away from us.”
The Sundevils suffered from foul trouble throughout the game with starters Nisa Duran and Justine Vigil fouling out. The Chieftains sank 24-of-38 free throws, while the Sundevils went to the line only eight times, making seven.
“We had 14 two-pointers and they had 16,” Drake said. “They had two three-pointers and we had three. So we were pretty even from the field.”
The Sundevils’ missed shots concerned Drake.
“We missed so many easy shots, even uncontested shots,” he said. “We outscored them 21-19 in the fourth quarter, so its not like we gave up.”
Duran led the Sundevils with 18 points.
Española post Marisol Peña will be out of action for a week with a strained ligament in her wrist, according to Drake. Freshman Amanda Maestas will replace Peña in the starting lineup.
Desiree Howie twisted an ankle against Shiprock, but Drake said she was ready Monday for the the opening round of the Ben Lujan Tournament.
The Sundevils are currently ranked fourth in the Class AAAA coaches poll. Shiprock was ranked third.