It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but the Palm Desert Aztecs ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past La Quinta 39-36. The win made it back-to-back wins for Palm Desert.
Palm Desert was led to victory by Ava Tethal and Katelyn Gallagher. Tethal scored 17 points along with six rebounds, while Gallagher dropped a double-double on 15 points and 11 steals. Gallagher is crushing the steal category: she's posted at least four every time she's taken the court this season.
When it comes to explaining why La Quinta lost, one person who can't be blamed is Audrey Tijerina. Despite the final result, she dropped a double-double on 24 points and ten rebounds. Tijerina also posted two blocks for the first time this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Bella Ortiz, who scored two points along with six rebounds and two steals.
Palm Desert is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight games, which provided a nice bump to their 12-7 record this season. As for La Quinta, they now have a losing record at 11-12.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Palm Desert will take on the Rattlers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Rancho Mirage is still on the hunt for that elusive first 'W'. As for La Quinta, they will look to defend their home court on Thursday against the Indians at 5:15 p.m. Palm Springs is no doubt hoping to put an end to a three-game streak of away losses.
