Each team dominated a half of Tuesday night’s girls basketball
game between the Notre Dame Spirits and Gilroy Mustangs. Luckily
for the Mustangs, their stellar play in the first couple quarters
provided just enough cushion for the home team to hold on for a
35-33 win.
Each team dominated a half of Tuesday night’s girls basketball game between the Notre Dame Spirits and Gilroy Mustangs. Luckily for the Mustangs, their stellar play in the first couple quarters provided just enough cushion for the home team to hold on for a 35-33 win.
Angela Silveira led the Mustangs with 12 points, helping Gilroy earn its fourth-straight victory after losing six in a row.
“I think we were tired of losing and we’ve just brought a lot more intensity and heart,” Silveira said of the turnaround.
Beating Notre Dame wasn’t a given, though, as the Mustangs lost their last meeting 38-16.
“I think we just really thought we could win (this time) and didn’t want to get killed like last time,” Silveira said.
A growth in team chemistry amongst the Mustangs has been noticeable over the past few weeks, and is something the team has used to its advantage said GHS assistant coach Laura Hennessee.
“Our chemistry on the team is a lot better,” Hennessee said. “We’re starting to play more as one than as individuals.”
Vanessa Wilkins scored 11 points for Gilroy and Lindsey Foster had five for the Mustangs.
Shanae Gasperson was Notre Dame’s leading scorer with 12 points.
The Mustangs hit the ground running to start the game, using a swarming full-court press to build a 22-13 lead going into the intermission. The Spirits rebounded by using a similar tactic in the second half, forcing turnovers or rushed shots through a full-court press of their own.
A made jump shot on the baseline by Wilkins, with about a minute to play, was the final basket of the game and provided the margin of victory.
Junior Varsity Note:
Gilroy High’s junior varsity girls basketball team also won a squeaker over Notre Dame Tuesday, 37-35.
The game went down to the final minutes tied 35-all when Karalyn Podesta and Carmen Pichardo each made free throws to seal the game in Gilroy’s favor.
The Mustangs’ top scorers were Sovi Nou with 12 points and Alana Osaki and Karalyn Podesta each with 7. Notre Dame’s Caity Michaels had 11 points, including two three pointers.
