The Taylor Lady Ducks varsity basketball team dropped its District 24-4A opener, falling 52-40 to the Lampasas Badgers on Friday, Jan. 9.
Taylor saw its hopes of a home upset slip away in the fourth quarter as Lampasas outscored the Lady Ducks 21-10 over the final eight minutes. After battling back to within one entering the period, Taylor was unable to keep pace with the Badgers down the stretch.
The Lady Ducks struggled to generate offense early, scoring just five points in the opening quarter. Despite the slow start, Taylor remained within striking distance thanks to strong defensive play from junior forward Tianna Candee, trailing only 8-5 at the end of the first period.
Lampasas began to find its offensive rhythm in the second quarter, using a balanced attack to outscore Taylor 15-8. The Badgers took advantage of turnovers and second-chance opportunities to build a 23-13 lead heading into halftime.
Taylor emerged from the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter. Senior point guard Aubriana Alderete sparked the offense, leading a 17-8 run that shifted momentum in favor of the Lady Ducks.
Alderete pushed the pace and created scoring opportunities as Taylor closed the gap, trimming the deficit to 31-30 by the end of the quarter.
However, the surge proved difficult to sustain.
Lampasas regained control in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on its depth and defensive pressure as a fatigued Taylor squad struggled to score consistently.
The Badgers pulled away late to secure the district victory.
With the loss, the Lady Ducks fell to 6-14 overall and 0-1 in district play.
Taylor returned to action Tuesday against Jarrell before traveling to Burnet for a district matchup Friday, Jan. 16, with tipoff scheduled for 6:15 p.m.
