The Taylor Lady Ducks varsity basketball team fell 47-29 to the Rouse Raiders on Friday, Nov. 21, continuing a challenging start to their season.
Taylor struggled with turnovers in the opening minutes, allowing Rouse to build a 9-3 lead midway through the first quarter. The Lady Ducks responded with energy on both ends of the floor, stringing together an 11-3 run to take a 14-12 advantage. The Raiders quickly answered, hitting a 3-pointer early in the second quarter to move back in front, 15-14.
Taylor briefly regained momentum with a 3-pointer of its own to go up 17-15, but Rouse again countered from behind the arc.
The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half, keeping the score tight heading into the break.
The Raiders began to separate in the third quarter, converting a fast-break layup to go ahead 24-20. Despite the setback, the Lady Ducks continued to battle, staying within two possessions and trailing just 32-26 entering the fourth.
Rouse seized control early in the final period, scoring seven straight points to extend the lead to 39-26. From there, the Raiders never relinquished momentum, closing the game on a 9-3 run and handing Taylor a 47-29 defeat.
The Lady Ducks fell to 0-6 on the season, hindered once again by early-season shooting struggles. Taylor shot only 22% from the field, making it difficult to keep pace as Rouse’s offense heated up late.
One bright spot for Taylor was its effort on the boards. The Lady Ducks outrebounded the Raiders 39-31, showing improvement in interior play and second-chance opportunities. However, turnovers proved costly, as Taylor surrendered 12 steals that frequently turned into points on the other end.
Despite the rough start, the Lady Ducks remain focused on growth as they head into Thanksgiving break. Taylor will return to action Tuesday, Dec.
2, when it hosts San Saba at 6:15 p.m. at Taylor High School.
Taylor Lady Ducks junior forward Tianna Candee shoots a three pointer during a regular season game. Photo by Larry Pelchat
