RecordSports
Contributing Writer
The Cuero Lady Gobblers tipped off district play in dramatic fashion Friday, Jan. 9, edging San Antonio Kennedy 55– 53 in a heart-pounding road victory.
The night started off with the Lady Gobblers trailing 13-23 as the first quarter came to an end. But Cuero was not willing to give up the fight as they rebounded outscoring the Lady Rockets 18 to 6 in the second quarter bringing the score 31-29 at the half. The intensity remained throughout the third quarter as the teams fought back and forth to end the quarter with the Lady Gobblers leading by 1. Cuero’s balanced attack proved key in the season-opening district matchup. They maintained their composure as Freshman Elena Gomez sealed the win at the freethrow line, calmly sinking two shots with just 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, to lead the Lady Gobblers to victory 55-53.
Gomez delivered an all-around performance, leading the Lady Gobblers with 10 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals. Fellow freshman Demi Morrow contributed 9 points and 6 rebounds, while junior Averie Orozco added 8 points and a teamhigh 9 rebounds. Senior Bailey Staten chipped in 8 points, and juniors Emonie Cooper and Laelah Mendiola scored 6 points apiece. Mendiola knocked down two three-pointers and pulled down 6 rebounds. The Lady Gobblers smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds, the most this season.
Sophomores Bella Staten and Katie McElroy rounded out the scoring with 4 points each as the Lady Gobblers relied on depth, defense, and teamwork to secure the narrow victory.
“It was an exciting start to district play with a really solid team effort,” said head coach Amy Crain.
The Lady Gobblers will look to build on the momentum with their home opener on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 6:30 p.m. against Gonzales—an always tough opponent in district competition.
