COLUSA, CA (MPG) – No one can accuse the RedHawk girls of taking it easy in the preseason after they squared off against reigning Northern Section Division IV champion University Prep at home on Nov. 25.
And although close at the outset, Colusa couldn’t match the Panthers on the boards and as a result fell 54-62 in their opener.
Despite not having much practice time together due to an extended volleyball season, the RedHawks held an early advantage, but as the first quarter wore on, U-Prep pulled away after capitalizing on Colusa turnovers and did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.
While the RedHawks shot 36 percent from beyond the arc, they didn’t heat up until late in the game when the Panthers had the situation well in hand.
However, picking up where she left off last season, Colusa’s Danica Chavez finished with a team-high 22 points, shooting 67 percent on the night, in addition to handing out six assists.
Chavez finished three points behind the Panthers’ All-Section first team performer Joanna Warren, who went for a game-high 25.
Although eight other RedHawks broke into the scoring column, none were able to hit double figures.
Peyton Miller added eight points to the total, all coming in the fourth quarter, while Olivia Huskey pitched in with seven and Alena Sanchez contributed six points and six rebounds.
This week was a busy one for Colusa (0-1), who welcomed Clear Lake to town on Dec. 2, ahead of its own Jim Ernst Tournament, which runs from Dec. 5-7.