As the buzzer rang out at the end of the game on Tuesday, Dec. 5, the varsity women’s basketball team lost to the Manor Mustangs 48-36. The Lady Warriors came into the game on a hot streak, winning four of their last six games, and looking to capitalize on their momentum. However, after three periods filled with defensive battle, and a failure to contain the Mustangs in the fourth, cost the Warriors the game.

“I think I played well,” Emily Collins ‘24. “On the offensive line and defensively, we just didn’t come out with a win.”

From the first tip off the tension was high, with both teams fighting hard to win the opening sequence. After stealing the ball on the Mustangs first offensive possession, Westwood stormed down the court, looking to open up the game. However, much to their dismay they were met with a defensive wall that turned over the ball. Still scoreless, the Mustangs ran up the key for a layup, however they missed the shot, the Mustangs still forced a foul, and opened up the game at 1-0 with 6:02 still left in the period. Continuing to play hard defense against Manor the Warriors prevented the Mustangs from scoring any points for another three minutes before giving up another free throw, however, Westwood’s lack of offensive creativity left them scoreless, and falling behind. However with 2:18 left in the period, Collins flew from the floor, sinking a three pointer and giving the Lady Warriors their first lead of the game at 3-2. After a second basket from Collins, and a free throw from the Mustangs the quarter ended with the Warriors up 5-3.

“We worked on getting better shots instead of just rushing, which helped us get a lot more layups and stuff that we needed,” Collins said.

Playing out much like the first, the second period was another defensive battle. This time however, the Mustangs gained the offensive advantage, hitting four buckets with a three-pointer in the mix, taking themselves from three points to twelve. The Warriors didn’t let themselves fall behind however, as Collins continued to lead Westwood offensively. Following a layup from the Mustangs with 26 seconds left in the half, the score kept close , and low scoring at 12-10 in favor of the Mustangs.

Coming out of the locker room early, both teams practiced their offensive sets in preparation for the second half, and in hopes of improving their offensive production for the rest of the game. The third period was very one sided however, as the Mustangs opened up the half with a point run, driving the ball through the Westwood defense for easy layups. Refusing to back down the Warriors knew they were running out of time with only a quarter and two minutes left to play. In hopes of starting a comeback, and closing out the period, Collins and Lee both hit shots giving the Warriors five unanswered points, and big momentum going into the last period.

Continuing their run into the fourth period, the Warriors drove down their court and scored on their first possession, bringing the score closer at 31-24. Tightening their defense as well, Westwood kept the Mustangs to a single point through the first minute and a half of the period. Shifting momentum quickly, the Mustangs hit a three pointer to increase the score gap from a six point to a nine point lead. Collins didn’t let this last long however, rising for a three pointer herself, answering to the Mustangs Challenge. However, much to the disappointment of the Warriors, Manor recaptured their earlier groove, closing out the period on a 14-7 run, killing Westwood’s hopes at a comeback, ending the game 48-36.

“I think we started off a little flat,” Claire Lee said. “I do think in the second quarter and especially in the fourth quarter, we definitely tried to pull it back, which I’m proud of the team for not giving up.”

The Lady Warriors will take to the court again Friday, Dec. 8, against Vandegrift on the Vipers home court.