A preseason matchup against U-Prep on Dec. 21 at home saw Pierce cut the gap to four points late in the fourth quarter, but the Bears could get no closer and ultimately fell 48-53.
It was a contest that included two of the Northern Section’s preeminent players in the Bears’ Jocelyn Medina and U-Prep’s JoAnna Warren, and the duo didn’t disappoint as they led all scorers with 18 and 20 points, respectively.
In retrospect, though, it was Medina’s performance that was more impressive, given that she was double and triple teamed throughout the contest.
However, several others stepped up to make significant contributions for Pierce, including Jaslene Condrey, Cindy Corona, and Magali Jauregui.
Condrey hit four threes to finish with 12 points, while Corona tallied seven points, and Jauregui chipped in with six.
Overall, it was a game-effort for the young Bear team, which came back from a nearly 20-point deficit at one point to make things interesting down the stretch.
Pierce (7-2) is in Esparto tonight for a final tune-up before it commences Sacramento Valley League play in Willows on Jan. 3. ■