By Jack Friedman
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa girls basketball team opened its Bay League season with a game against West Torrance on Jan. 11. After losing three of their last four games, the win came at a crucial time for the Mustangs. The girls won the nail-biter 52-50, boosting their current record to 10-6.
Due to numerous turnovers, the game started out shaky for Costa. The girls suffered a nine-point deficit by the end of the first quarter, but a late 8-2 run left the girls trailing by only four at halftime.
“By the third quarter, we started playing smarter and really improved our defense. This helped boost our confidence throughout the game and led us to the win,” coach Craig Takahashi said.
Seniors Kylie Nakamine and Joelle Herron helped the Mustangs stay alive against West. Nakamine led the team with 19 points, including two three-pointers near the end of the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Herron dominated the paint, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“We really played as a team and stayed poised at times of adversity,” Herron said.
The game ended with a missed three-point shot from West, giving Costa the down-to-the-wire two-point victory.
“I’m really happy to come away with a win, especially against such a great team like West,” Takahashi said.
The team looks to continue its winning streak tonight at Costa’s Fisher Gym against the Redondo Seahawks at 6 p.m.
“As long as we handle the pressure better and play as a team, I have faith that we will do fine in our next game,” Nakamine said.
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