Tucumcari girls earn first win in season

The Tucumcari girls basketball team earned its first victory of the abbreviated season with a 38-36 district decision against East Mountain on Saturday.

Alexus Lafferty scored 18 points to lead the Rattlers, and Caylee Benavidez scored six.

“All but one player scored in this game, it was good to see others help with the scoring,” Tucumcari coach Gary Hittson said. “This was the first game we pressed. Having practice time to work on things helped.”

Hittson also credited Sariah Mardo and Mireya Estrada for making crucial steals and rebounds late in the game.

Tucumcari improved to 1-10 overall and 1-3 in District 4.

East Mountain fell to 0-8, 0-5.

Dexter 61, Tucumcari 27

The unbeaten Lady Demons’ defense held Tucumcari scoreless during the first quarter en route to their 61-27 district win on Thursday.

Lafferty led Tucumcari with 15 points, while Benavidez added 12.

“The press hurt us a lot, couldn’t handle the pressure,” Hittson said.

Nayeli Cobos scored 20 points to led Dexter, which improved to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in District 4.

Santa Rosa 56, Tucumcari 30

The Lady Lions led 19-10 at halftime and continued to pull away during a 56-30 victory April 20.

“We just couldn’t score,” Hittson said. “Nothing would fall.”

Benavidez scored 12 points to lead the Lady Rattlers, and Lafferty added 11.

Daelyn Pacheco scored 11 points to lead Santa Rosa, which improved to 4-4 overall.