From the start of the game at the tip-off, the Lady Patriots showed their impressive basketball skills. Senior Kelley Atkinson quickly tapped the ball allowing Oxford to begin with possession of the ball. Whitney stole the ball, but the referee called traveling on Whitney’s behalf, giving Oxford possession of the ball. Moments later, senior Jenica Marilla scored making the score 2-0. The Wildcats attempted to score but they failed and the ball returned to Oxford’s skillful players’ hands. Afterwards the referee called a technical foul on Whitney allowing Atkinson a free-throw, who pumped the score 5-0. The Patriots switched back and forth from playing defense to offense to defense. Senior Alexis Medina played defense very well, which caused the Wildcat’s attempts to score futile. Soon after, the Patriots got a foul, giving Whitney a free-throw, which they successfully missed, due to the loud and distracting cheers the baseball players compelled. On another free-throw, Medina increased the score 7-0, with two shots. The defense was playing so well, that they forced Whitney to attempt a 3-pointer, which the Wildcats unfortunately made, which brought the score up to 7-3. Whitney continued to catch up on a free-throw which made the score 7-4. The game was tense, but the Lady Patriots pulled it through. Junior Vianca Morales scored a two pointer, making them lead by 5 points. Unfortunately the Wildcats scored again 9-6, decreasing OA’s lead to 3. Both teams exchanged the ball, as one tried to score the other stole the ball. Once again Morales scored on a free shot, which brought the score to 10-6. The Lady Patriots showed some interesting teamwork. As Morales performed some tricky moves to try to score, she passed the ball to Junior Kailynne Atkinson who attempted to score. As the ladies were passing the ball, a Wildcat viciously stole the ball. Medina made a nice recovery to keep the ball under OA’s possession. The score was now 12-6, and Morales held spotlight on the free-shots. She succeeded and increased the score to 14-6. A good pass from a teammate to Kailynne Atkinson gave her the perfect chance to score, which brought the Patriot’s lead up by 8 points, (16-8). Junior Tracey Fisher scored a two-pointer, 18-12. As Whitney began to catch up, the score being 18-14, the Patriots played a strong defense and more aggressive offense. Medina was able to score a two-pointer making the final score of the first half 20-14. The first half ended shortly after. The Lady Patriots made some good efforts to score, and were able to maintain the lead throughout the first half of the game.

Both teams came back refreshed and reenergize, but the Lady Patriots had especially high hopes of winning. Senior Nicole Olaes scored a three pointer, which increased the score to 23-14. A technical foul on a Lady patriot, gave Whitney a free-throw, which they made, 23-16. The game was tense as the Lady Patriots maintained the lead by 3 points, the score being 23-20. The ladies maintained the three point lead, as the game progressed, 25-22. Morales scored on a free throw, which expanded the score to 27-22. The score became 30-22 as the Patriots worked to score a three-pointer. Tracey Fisher further increased the score to 32-22, making the lead up by 10. The ladies’ good teamwork and communication was evident as one player stole the ball another one would be ready to score. The score was now 36-22, the Lady Patriots were on a streak of scoring. Whitney suddenly seemed to regain energy as they tried to steal, but their efforts were hopeless against OA’s defense. The Patriots maintained their large lead throughout the rest of the game. The score was 40-27 as Medina scored a three pointer. As a Wildcat missed a free throw, Oxford was able to get possession of the ball. The Wildcats tried to catch up with two free throws, which made the score 40-29. With minutes left on the clock the girls began to pay more violently as minor accidents happened. A personal foul gave Nicole Olaes a free-throw, which brought the score to 42-33. With 15 seconds on the clock, the Wildcats rushed to try to score but OA defended very well, and in fact stole the ball. Nicole Olaes scored the final point on a free-throw. The games ended 43-33, with an impressive 10 point lead.

The Lady Patriots’ harmony and desire to dominate was evident throughout the game. Their good effort and hard work certainly paid off. With pressure yet support from the spectators to win they were able to play their best and defeat the Wildcats. They played with more than enough intensity while playing with Oxford pride. This season seems to be very successful for them as most of the players on the team are seniors.