Fullerton was hoping they could win their first league game of the season on the team’s senior night. La Habra had other plans for them, as the Lady Highlanders (16-8, 5-4) used a dominant first half to run past the Indians (1-22, 0-9) 53-21.
With the loss, Fullerton’s losing streak has extended to 22 straight games, having not won since late November. La Habra had won their previous game against Buena Park on their senior night. The game could not have started off any better for the Lady Highlanders, as they were able to shut out Fullerton for the first 9 minutes of action
. The scoring began with an easy layup from La Habra’s powerful senior, Hannah McArthur. McArthur led the game with 14 points, and was one of the 10 Lady Highlanders to notch a point Tuesday night. The La Habra defense played lights out in the first 8 minutes of play, as they had a 15-0 lead at the end of one quarter.
After another McArthur basket, the Indians were able to score their first point of the game, with a made free throw from sophomore guard Gracelynn Basas. It was not until two and half minutes into the second quarter when senior guard Susan Valdez made the first field goal for the Indians. Valdez finished with 5 points in her final home game.
Fullerton and La Habra kept at the same pace in the second quarter, as each team traded baskets throughout the quarter. It was a 3-pointer from La Habra’s senior sharpshooter Emma Zener that gave the second quarter edge to the Lady Highlanders, as they took a 27-11 lead at the break.
The Lady Highlanders came out in the second half and slowed down the Indians offense, limiting them to just 6 third quarter points. La Habra used the defensive effort to boost their offense, as they were able to consistently get baskets, and take a 39-17 lead into the final quarter.
A scary moment happened midway through the third quarter, as La Habra’s senior guard Alexis Vigil went down with an apparent ankle injury. Vigil was down on the floor for a few minutes before she was able to walk off the court with the help of her coaches.
The fourth quarter was much of the same for La Habra, as they held Fullerton to just 4 fourth quarter points. La Habra scored the last 6 points of the game to seal their 22-point victory.
Both teams will conclude their regular season on Thursday night. La Habra will look to keep its playoff hopes alive on the road against Sunny Hills, while Fullerton will conclude their season at Sonora.