Sol Survivors

Game 1 of the 2008 JAO season renewed an old rivalry with a game against the FOR Sol.  It's been over a year since these 2 teams last played and when these two played most of the games were "classics" and this game was no different..

Usually the girls have the holiday hangover the 1st game of the JAO season but the Tigers started the new year off with a bang.  The girls jumped out to a 7 - 0 lead in the first few minutes with Shelby, Kris, Jodi and Emi putting in points.  But as the Sol usually does against the girls, they adjust well and made a strong come back behind good rebounding and defense.  Kayla put in a 3 and layup and Shelby had a great half with a bunch of steals and layups which kept the Tigers up by 3 at the half.  Sol far sol good for the girls..

The 2nd half had the girls surviving a more intense Sol defensive effort.  Shelby continued her strong play by hitting a 3 and getting more layups.  Emi came alive with a couple of baskets including a big 3 point play near the end of the game.  The girls seemed to have this game under control but the Sol's pressure rattled the girls and gave the Sol an opportunity to "steal" the game at the end.  With the Tigers up by 1 with a couple of seconds left and the Sol team having a chance to win/tie the game at the free throw line... I thought why the girls could never catch a break against the Sol.. but it is a new year, different team and it appears maybe their luck has changed as the Tigers came away with the 30 - 29 victory.  It was a great 1st game of the season.

With the girls playing in Gold division now, I doubt they will be turning off the scoreboard (oh year, JAO still uses flip cards..) this year against teams but playing against tough competition should be fun.  At least we are guranteed not to go winless. : )  And hopefully playing against bigger teams will get the girls more urgency to.... yeah... rebound better.

Next up the San Fernando Sparks.  Sure would be nice to get that last SBY loss... corrected..