Making up a game originally scheduled for Jan. 14 that was postponed due to COVID, Pierce journeyed to Colusa on Feb. 3, where, despite a spirited effort by the RedHawks, emerged with the 60-43 victory in the Sacramento Valley League contest.
It is an understatement to say that the Bears got off to a hot start, as they went on a 17-0 tear to open the game, but Colusa, after finding itself down 19-4 at the end of the first quarter, responded with an 8-3 run of its own in the second period to get themselves back in contention.
With Pierce’s Jocelyn Medina, the Northern Section’s top scorer, leading the way, the Bears maintained a healthy advantage. But the scrappy RedHawks closed the gap to just seven at half after Karsyn Gwinnup and Danica Chavez each scored on breakaways.
Colusa’s momentum carried over into the third quarter, where they cut the lead to four. But Pierce responded by turning up the defensive pressure and then stretched the lead to 13, as Medina buried a three at the buzzer.
It proved to be the nail in the coffin for the RedHawks, as they could not find an answer for the high scoring junior, who finished with 46 points.
While Medina delivered from inside and out throughout the game, the Bears also got a big boost from Jaylianna Valencia in the post, as she tossed in 12 points and battled for rebounds on both ends of the floor.
For Colusa, Chavez continued her steady play finishing with 16 points, while Jessica Deniz had a nice performance, adding 12 points.
Pierce (18-6, 8-0) extended its win streak to eight straight last Friday night in its final regular season game when it dispensed with East Nicolaus 48-35, although no statistics were available.
In their conference finale, the RedHawks (16-8, 8-2) won on the road in Paradise 43-31.
Abby Myers led Colusa with 12 points, Reese Roper added nine, and Deniz collected nine rebounds.
Both teams began play in the SVL tournament on Feb. 9, with Pierce hosting East Nicolaus and Colusa traveling to Durham. ■