Lady Yellowjackets run out of gas, lose to Norte Vista, 50-27

Madison Barrera’s 20 points and 13 boards lead the way, but it’s not enough against Novi’s balanced attack

The Lady Yellowjackets were worn out as they played their third consecutive game against the Norte Vista Braves.

Colton, CA—Playing the third in a series of a back-to-back-to-back games this week, an exhausted Lady Yellowjackets squad took to Hubbs Gym on Friday night and lost to a well-rested Norte Vista team, 50-27.

Star Madison Barrera once again led the Yellowjackets in points and rebounds, scoring 20 of the team’s points and pulling down 13 rebounds. She was joined in the points column by Itaty Morales, who hit a 3-pointer in the second quarter, and Emily Rodriguez and Madison Prieto, both of whom knocked down two fourth quarter free throws. Natali Caceres held down the boards, grabbing nine rebounds.

“It was a rough one,” head coach Keisha Owens said. “First week with three games in a row. It took a toll on the ladies. But the girls played tough.”

The first half stayed tight, with Norte Vista going into the break narrowly ahead by 6. Barrera scored 12 of her 20 points, dominating the paint. However, in the second half, the Braves put some distance between themselves and the Yellowjackets, led by senior Ann-Marie Santos (12 points) and sophomore Jaymie Chavez (11 points).

The Braves took the third quarter on a 14-5 run, and the Yellowjackets ran out of gas.

Tough early schedule aside, the Yellowjackets were happy to see the return of freshman Zoey Espino to their lineup this week. The gunning freshman was aggressive out of the gate, not shy as she put up 10 shots. “She’s not afraid to step up and take a shot,” coach Owens said, happy to have Espino’s energy back on the court.

After getting some rest this weekend, next week the Yellowjackets return for three more games against Redlands High on the road before returning home to face Desert Mirage and Alta Loma.