Basketball Recap: Sierra Falls Despite Big Games from Tessa Zalunardo and Emalina Latu

If Sierra was feeling good fresh off their 67-21 takedown of Central Valley last Saturday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Sierra Timberwolves took a 54-48 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Ceres Bulldogs. The Timberwolves were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bulldogs apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in December of 2023.

Sierra's loss on Monday came despite strong showings from Emalina Latu and Tessa Zalunardo. Latu dropped a double-double on 12 points and 14 boards, while Zalunardo posted 14 points. Zalunardo is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last four games she's played. Janessa Barnes was another key player, putting up six points and nine rebounds.

Even though they lost, Sierra smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 16 offensive rebounds in three consecutive games.

Ceres was led to victory by Lilly Staggs and Sovannary Carter. Staggs put up 19 points along with five rebounds and three steals, while Carter dropped a double-double on 17 points and 12 boards. That's the most boards Carter has posted since back in January. The team also got some help courtesy of Presley Vierra, who had six points and six rebounds.

Sierra now has a losing record at 5-6. As for Ceres, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine matches, which provided a nice bump to their 11-3 record this season.

Sierra will head out on the road to face off against Patterson at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for Ceres, they and Livingston will meet in a canine-themed contest at 7:30 p.m. on January 6, 2025.