Defending champs Eastlake Lady Wolves fall to Davis over final-minute fouls
The Eastlake Lady Wolves ended their defense of the state title after falling to Yakima’s Davis Pirates on Wednesday, with a final score of 59-54, due to frustrations, fouls, and free throws in the final seconds.
Setting the tone for the game, Davis’ Esmeralda Galindo put the Pirates on the board with a 2-point bucket from the tip-off. Despite consistent efforts from the Lady Wolves, including a 3-point basket from Darcy McCoy, the Pirates held a small lead, 14-10, to end the first quarter.
Keeping Eastlake in the game, McCoy quickly got off another 3-point basket to open the second quarter. Continuing the momentum, Tatum Wood scored on a rebound for the Lady Wolves. But frustrations mounted for Eastlake as they struggled to keep pace, sending Cheyenne Hull to the line on multiple foul calls for a string of points and a comfortable halftime lead for the Pirates, 32-21.
The second half opened with aggressive play from Davis as they worked to maintain their lead. This time, the Lady Wolves managed to draw a number of fouls for points at the line. Accurate and timely passing for the Pirates, feeding the partnership of Hull and Galindo, proved to be a powerful plan for Davis as they closed the third quarter with a 12-point advantage, 40-32.
Fueling hope for the fourth quarter, the Lady Wolves proved they had stamina and willpower as they orchestrated a masterful comeback. With their lead at risk, the Pirates suddenly appeared flustered and off their game. The Lady Wolves attacked with clutch baskets from Denise Gainer and Wood. A 3-point shot from Krista Kostoff tied the score, 44-44, and it was anyone’s game.
Unfortunately, as time ran out and pressure mounted, Eastlake made critical, untimely errors that sent Davis to the line multiple times. Galindo stepped to the free throw line for the Pirates with seconds remaining for the last point of the game. The final buzzer completed the battle with a 59-54 Davis victory.
The loss to the Davis Pirates brings the 2023-2024 Eastlake Lady Wolves season to an end. State tournament play will continue through Saturday, Mar. 2 at the Tacoma Dome.
