Lady Broncos outlast New Home in overtime

Published January 11, 2013 11:45pm by Josie Musico

Meadow’s herd of Lady Broncos won again Friday, but not quickly nor easily.

The Lady Broncos managed to earn a 50-48 home victory over New Home that came down to a shot in the last two seconds and a subsequent overtime round.

The home team traded leads at least a dozen times with the Lady Leopards, and neither’s advantage ever exceeded about four points. They were down 5-8 at the end of the first quarter and 20-22 at halftime, then barely ahead 34-33 by the end of the third.

They stayed a single point behind or ahead through most of the fourth until New Home sneaked in a shot to lead 41-38 with less than 30 seconds on the clock. Coach Ryan Bobo called a time-out to instruct them how to make the three-pointer they needed, which junior Carla Rodriguez landed just before what would have been the final buzzer.

"They listened, and they executed the play - I was very proud of them,” Bobo later told the News.

Rodriguez was briefly treated to a hero’s welcome at the bench, but the team still had work to do. They kept about a four-point lead through most of the overtime round until a Lady Leopard intercepted and landed an easy shot, but the clock winded down with the Lady Broncos still barely ahead.

Varsity newcomer Kelsey Saenz, a sophomore, led the Lady Broncos with 11 points, including three of four free-throw attempts.

"Kelsey played a great game - she hit great shots and played great defense,” Bobo said.

Other scorers included Rodriguez 2-1 2-3 9, Tamara Vela 2-0 5-6 9, Katlen Davila 4-0 8, Lexy Silva 3-0 2-5 8, Reina Garza 0-1 3 and Bethany Flores 0-0 2-2 2. The Lady Broncos landed 14 of 22 free-throw attempts for 64 percent and the Lady Leopards 15 of 24 for 63 percent.

The Lady Broncos just wrapped up the first half of district season with a 5-2 record, tied with New Home and just behind Ropes and Petersburg, both of whom are 6-1. They will be at home again Tuesday to host Southland.