The McFarland Cougars proved they can win big last Thursday (they won by 22) but on Monday they proved they can win the close ones too. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Wasco and snuck past 45-43. The win made it back-to-back wins for McFarland.
McFarland's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jocelyn Vallejos, who scored 16 points along with eight rebounds and three steals. It was the first time this season that Vallejos scored 15 or more points. Mia Samaniego was another key contributor, scoring 15 points along with seven rebounds and five steals.
Several Tigers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Genesis Epinosa, who scored 12 points along with five steals. Epinosa is trending in the right direction, as she's improved her point production for three games straight. Another player making a difference was Illiana Villanueva, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 11 rebounds.
McFarland's win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-20. As for Wasco, they have not been sharp recently as the team's lost 11 of their last 12 games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-21 record this season.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. McFarland will challenge Delano at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Delano will be up against McFarland's rather soft defense (which has allowed 57.24 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive showing. As for Wasco, they will head out on the road to face off against Taft at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Taft is facing Wasco at the right time seeing as Wasco is stuck on a three-game losing streak.
