The JV women’s basketball team faced off against, and defeated Manor High School 38-34 in a close match on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Rising up for the tip-off, Lola Proano-Montana ’26 gave the Warriors the first possession of the game. However, Manor quickly gained possession back and kept it on their side for a while with quick passing that was too much for the Warriors to handle. Finally, ending the game of keepaway, Paige Price’ 27 picked up a key rebound for Westwood to get the ball back to the offensive side. Running through the transition Haydn Espinoza ’26 put up a layup to put the first points on the board for Westwood. The first quarter was filled with layups from Hope Davis ’27, Proano-Montana, and Holly Vessa’ 26 to keep the Warriors ahead. Ending the first quarter, Ella Steinheider’ 26 made a shot with 14 seconds left on the clock narrowly beating it out. The first quarter ended with the Warriors ahead 13-2.

“After the first quarter we like to figure out what they’re trying to play on defense,” Espinoza said. ”From there we figure out what plays we’re going to play on offense and how we are going to play better on defense against their plays.”

Coming out of their huddle Manor was ready to bring the heat, catching up to the Warriors. However, picking up the pace, Proano-Montana ran the ball down the court after a defensive rebound into transition offense. Down on the offensive end Price was fouled after running in to take a shot set up by Proano-Montana, making both her free throws. Despite a slower offensive and defensive performance through the second quarter, the Warriors managed to keep their lead and end the first half 20-11.

Coming into the half primed to make a comeback Manor took to the court. Starting off as they had hoped, Manor got the first points for the half but was quickly followed by a basket by Proano-Montana. Manor managed to score a few points in a row until Ali Hight ’26 fired back with the first three-pointer of the game, ending the run. Calling a timeout with 1:26 left Westwood regained their confidence and caught their breath. After the timeout Manor made another basket to tie the game and then hit one of their 2 free throws to take the lead. The third quarter ended with a score of 30-29 with the Warriors losing for the first time all game.

“My favorite part about making a three point shot is definitely the feeling after and making an impact on my team and helping them out,” Hight said.

The Warriors were determined to get their lead back going into the fourth quarter, with Proano-Montana getting a block to get the ball back for her team and soon after getting fouled, making both free throws. Unlike the first three quarters, the last quarter was fast paced with lots of running back and forth across the court. With three minutes left on the clock Proano-Montana made a basket and got fouled, giving her the chance for a three point play. Making the free throw, Proano-Montana recaptured the Warriors’ lost lead. With 1:45 left in the game, Hadyn got an offensive rebound and put the shot right back up to add two more points to her team’s lead. With a lead of 4 points, Westwood slowed down the game and ran out the clock finishing the game with a win.

“I would say a highlight of our game was probably our free throws,” Price said. “We usually don’t make them and they were going in this game. I think for the remainder of the season we should focus on good passes and getting less turnovers.”

The Lady Warriors will return to the court at Vandegrift High School to play Vandegrift on Friday, Dec. 8.