Yaya Navarro had 12 points as CSAT outlasted Niagara Falls, 36-31, in girls Niagara Frontier League basketball action that was played at CSAT’s Shoshone Avenue Complex.
The Lady Eagles exchanged hugs and high-fives after the final buzzer as they withstood a Wolverines rally to hang on for the win.
Still finding their way in their first season in the NFL, the Eagles have given their all in every game, but recent games that effort hadn’t translated into W’s.
CSAT looked as if they would cruise to an easy win after taking a commanding 17-5 lead after the first quarter.
But the Falls wouldn’t just fade away.
Prior to the game CSATHead coach Lindsay Bergman expressed some concerns over matching up against a Niagara Falls squad that had some height and very athletic looking players. So even though he team raced to an early lead Bergman knew it wouldn’t be cake walk and she was right.
Led by Mikala Means (14 points) and Dinah Harris (10 points) Niagara Falls was able to slowly but surely chip away at the CSAT lead.
“Every game we’ve had to work hard. There’s never been a game where we can take any time off cause it comes back to bite you,” said Bergman.
“Today was good. It was a total team effort and it has to be. As long as we play together it will all go well. ”
Rashanik Hendricks and Kiara King had solid defensive outings for the Eagles (5-7).
Navarro hit a trio of 3-pointers and sank a free throw late to put the game on ice.
Bergman also talked about her team’s composure as they didn’t let bad calls get them off their games. Even as Niagara Falls was closing the gap on the scoreboard.
“Mentally, they stayed strong throughout the whole, entire game,” Bergman said.