The Fairfield Lady Eagles have battled through adversity and injuries throughout the season. What do they have to show for it? A district lead halfway through the season.
Fairfield travelled to Palestine to take on the Ladycats in the final game of the first half of district play. They led throughout the game and kept scoring star Destanee Matthews in check for the 57-41 win.
The Lady Eagles hit five of their first six shots from the field and opened up a decent lead. JoAnne Zamora hit a couple from long range and Josey Richardson ended the fast break. The Lady Eagles scored 17 points going five of six at the free throw line and led 17-7.
The second quarter opened with Emily Knight (pictured at top) returning to the lineup after being out about three weeks with a foot injury and she was instant offense with a pair of three pointers in the second quarter. Zamora added her third of the game and the Lady Eagle defense fought through Matthews heating up with three baskets toward the end of the half. Palestine cut into the Fairfield lead and it was 30-23.
The third quarter was a tough defensive battle and each team scored eight points. Zamora and Knight each added a three pointer and Jada Clark (pictured at left) ended the fast break with a lay up.
Palestine cut into the lead and narrowed it to 43-39 but the Lady Eagles hit five straight free throws to keep Palestine at bay. Braden Bossier hit a pair and Zamora was fouled on a three pointer and she hit all three foul shots and the Lady Eagles closed out the 57-41 win.
Zamora scored 20 points to lead the way for Fairfield and Knight added 12 more in the win.
Fairfield will travel to Madisonville to continue district play. The Lady Eagles defeated the Lady Mustangs in the district opener 48-46.
(Photos by Melissa Lee)
