Lady Dogs take Ruidoso Warriors 76-43 Lady Dogs take Ruidoso Warriors 76-43

The day after dominating the Santa Teresa Desert Warriors in a 77-13 win, the Lady Dogs beat the Ruidoso Warriors 76-43 on Saturday, January 7 in a non-conference win. This brings the Lady Dogs to a 7-6 overall record.

When the Varsity Lady Dogs hit the court, the match up produced multiple turn overs and scoring opportunities for the Warriors. The Lady Dogs switched to a full court press and began to force turnovers. First quarter scoring was led by senior Koda Beltran, who sank two three-pointers, freshman Jenna Whitmire hit six and junior Lorin Wagner had five. The first quarter ended at 17-7.

The Lady Dogs continued to press throughout the second quarter and pulled away from the opponent, ending the quarter at 45-15. Scoring was dominated by Koda Beltran, Whitmire, Wagner, and sophomore Hattie Harrison.

The Lady Dogs switched to a zone defense in the third quarter and allowed scoring from the Warriors, mostly by senior Gabby Portillo. After a set of sunken free throws by Lady Dog senior Audrey Velo points were racked up by Wagner, Whitmire, and Harrison to end the quarter at 60-28.

The domination continued in the fourth quarter. Nearing the end Koda Beltran made the rare 4-point play by making a three-point shot while simultaneously being fouled and then making the free throw. The game ended at 76-43.

“It was a great game for us,” said Jeff Hougtaling, head coach for the Lady Dogs. “The girls played hard. We got off to a rocky start, but were able get into our press after our first basket and the game took off for us. Our pressure and experience paid off and we were able to get a good win. Great intensity and effort.”

Final scoring for the Lady Dogs: Audrey Velo 2; Myra Jimenez 2; Kailee Padilla 4; Koda Beltran 22; Jenna Whitmire 22; Hattie Harrison 10; Lorin Wagner 14.

Final scoring for the Warriors: Alexx Chavez 11; Gabby Portillo 24; Aliyah Vega 1; Savannah Mendez 6; Itzel Parga 2.

The Lady Dogs next game is Tuesday, January 10 at home against the Chaparell Lobos. The JV game starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7:00 p.m.