The Park University Gilbert women's basketball team (2-2) showed when it wants to it can compete with teams on the highest level. The Buccaneers held the lead on Division I Dixie State (1-0) throughout the first quarter and competed with the Trailblazers throughout the game but ultimate fell 81-52 in St. George, Utah on Saturday afternoon.
"I was proud of how we came out and took the game to them right away," said Buccaneers head coach Jeff Fore. "But all credit to them. They didn't blink and came back and answered."
The Bucs started the game on fire. Marlene Salazar hit on three long range three-pointers as the Bucs held the lead at the end of the first stanza 20-17. The Bucs shot 53 percent from the floor in the quarter and held a lead as large as seven. Dixie State struggled initially to find their mark (41 percent) but was able to close things to a three-point deficit before the end of the frame.
The second quarter saw the Trailblazer take control of the contest. Dixie State outscored Park Gilbert 22-9 in the second quarter which translated into a 10-point deficit for the Bucs. Salazar led the way in the first half with nine points on her three, three-point baskets in the first quarter, but was held without a shot in the second. She also pulled down five rebounds. Junior point guard Destinee Vigil scored five points in the first half and dished out four assists. Sophomore Elise Young still trying to find the range after her long layoff also contributed with five first half points. The Bucs committed 10 first half turnovers which the Trailblazers converted into 10 points
The second half saw more of the same for the Buccaneers. In the third quarter, they managed to only score 10 points on 25 percent shooting (4-16), Dixie Stats however really started to find their range (55 percent) and took advantage of six Buccaneers turnovers.
The fourth quarter was more competitive as the Bucs held the Blazers to 16 points in the quarter on 35 percent shooting, but only managed to score 13 points themselves. What was evident was the Buccaneers played hard throughout despite the deficit.
"I thought our effort level today was solid." said Fore. "We continued to compete even when things did not go our way. I hope we can build on that and take that level of effort into our games the rest of the year. If we do, we will be tough to beat."
Vigil led the Bucs in scoring with 14 points. She also had six rebounds and four assists. Salazar chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds.
Park Gilbert returns home for one final game before the holiday break as they take on Bethesda University of California at the PHHacility on Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m.
