The Lady Mustangs basketball team stayed home on Wednesday, Jan. 3. They hosted the Wooster Colts, from Reno. The Lovelock girls beat their guests (53-14).
On Friday and Saturday, Pershing returned to league play with two road games. First, they challenged White Pine’s Lady Bobcats in Ely. The game ended a narrow loss for Pershing (45-40).
Next, PCHS traveled to West Wendover to tip off against the Lady Wolverines. The weekend culminated in a win for the Lady Mustangs (34-29).
With the split matches Pershing’s rank changed to 12-4, overall, and 2-1 in league play.
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Pershing hosted Battle Mountain’s Lady Longhorns. Results were not available at press time.
Lee Houston coaches Lovelock’s varsity girls.
Mustangs trounce Wooster
“This was one of the best games we’ve played all season,” said Houston. “The girls put a lot of pressure on Wooster by creating turnovers that turned into points.”
The scoreboard reflected the coach’s words. Itatty Espinoza led the scoring with 14 points. Taryn Houston punched in 11 more. Faith Happy banked nine points for the Lady Mustangs. Sydney Jensen scored eight points. Marissa Garcia added seven. Makenna Houston netted four.
Lady Bobcats foil Pershing
Although game against White Pine ended in defeat for Pershing, Coach Houston smiled.
“I told the girls I’ve never been more proud of a loss,” he said.
Unfortunately, Marissa Garcia and Itatty Espinoza were absent. The senior players attended a funeral in New Mexico.
“The other girls had to step up in a high pressure situation,” he said. “I’m proud of Makenna Houston, Kati Cerini and Maria Jimenez. They played with great effort for a ton of minutes.”
Taryn Houston and Sydney Jensen led the scoring with double digits. Houston punched in 16 points. Jensen added 10.
Cerini posted four points. Makenna Houston and Jimenez each scored three points. Faith Happy added one.
“The leaders stepped up and the other girls grew up right before our eyes,” said Houston. “It was great to see.”
Pershing
whacks the Wolverines
The next night, early foul trouble threatened Pershing’s roster, still depleted of two senior players.
“It hurt because we were already short-handed,” said Houston.
But Makenna Houston hit some big shots against West Wendover in the first half. And Desiree Mosier helped keep Pershing on the scoreboard.
Sydney Jensen played point guard.
“Her unselfishness helped the team succeed,” said Houston.
In the fourth quarter Taryn Houston took over the scoring to help secure the win.
The Houston sisters each scored in the double digits. Taryn posted 17 points. Makenna added 10.
Faith Happy scored four points. Sydney Jensen punched in two. And Desiree Mosier added one.
“The girls used a ton of energy in the emotional game the night before,” said Lee Houston. “It showed in the game against West Wendover. We were lucky to get out of there with a win. Overall, we’re happy to get this big road trip over with. We’re excited to head into our busy conference schedule. We’ll welcome back Marissa and Itatty and get our team back to full strength.”
Upcoming games
The Lady Mustangs basketball team stays home to host Silver Stage (3-2) on Friday, Jan. 12. The JV girls tip off at 3 p.m. The JV boys follow at 4:30. Varsity girls play at 6 p.m. Varsity boys follow at 7:30.
