Viqs prevail with 3-point victory

Viqueen post Marissa Jones scores two over Lady Bobcat Tiffany Black (42). (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

It was a defensive struggle to the very end as Community and Santa Fe hooked up in Unionville Monday night with the Viqueens prevailing in a close 35-32 decision.

The Lady Bobcats (6-1) came into the contest undefeated and brimming with confidence after a very successful 2007-08 season that included a sectional appearance. Santa Fe showed that it can still be a formidable opponent by forcing the Viqueens into several turnovers to take an early lead.

Heather Small and Aubrey Boyce drained 3-pointers to rally Community (5-3) to tie the game at 10 when the quarter ended.

The lead exchanged hands four times in the second stanza as nine players scored and the game remained even at 20 as the horn sounded to signal halftime.

Both teams continued to allow each other sparse looks at the basket in the third period. Neither squad was able to reach double figures, though the visitors managed to squeak out a narrow 28-27 lead to open the final minutes.

"It was a hard fought game by both teams," Viqueen coach Allison Layne said. "I was very pleased that our leaders showed up when we needed them in a close game against a quality opponent.

"We played hard from start to finish and we played a physical game with a bigger team. We still have some areas that we would like to improve offensively but we can be happy with our overall effort tonight."

Small and Boyce hit clutch 3-pointers and Jessica Thompson hit two free throws in the waning seconds in the fourth quarter to ice the win for the Viqueens. The duo ended the game accounting for all five of their team's total from behind the arc.

Boyce had 11 to earn game-high honors.

Community hit on 6-of-11 shots from the free-throw line.

The Viqueens host Forrest on Friday night at 6.