Basketball Recap: Aaliyah Juarez's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Santa Maria over Pioneer Valley

Santa Maria was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their sixth straight loss. The contest between them and the Pioneer Valley Panthers didn't end well, with the Santa Maria Saints falling 48-30. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Saints this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 58-41 on January 9th.

Aaliyah Juarez

Steals

01/28/25 @ Pioneer Valley	4
01/24/25 @ Atascadero	3
01/20/25 vs Coastal Christian	4
01/16/25 vs Nipomo	2
01/09/25 vs Pioneer Valley	3

Santa Maria's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Aaliyah Juarez, who posted seven points and four steals. Juarez has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last seven times she's played. Another player making a difference was Brianna Hill, who put up eight points and 11 rebounds.

Santa Maria's loss dropped their record down to 10-14. As for Pioneer Valley, their win bumped their record up to 5-10.

Santa Maria will take on Nipomo at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Pioneer Valley, they will square off against Atascadero at 6:45 p.m. on Friday. Atascadero will roll in looking for their eighth straight victory, something Pioneer Valley surely won't give up without a fight.