San Dieguito girls basketball hosted the undefeated El Capitan High School Vaqueros from Lakeside on Wednesday. Parents and students filled the stands for both teams and the atmosphere was electric in the final minutes of the game; however, the Mustangs lost with a final score of 35-37 in favor of El Capitan.

The game was intense from start to finish, as El Capitan played a full court press defense every possession. The Mustangs came prepared and handled the pressure with ease in the early stages of the game. They came close to scoring on multiple shots but only scored two layups. As the first quarter came to a close, the Mustangs found themselves trailing 4-5. The very low score can be attributed to good defense from both teams.

The second quarter was a different story, as both teams started finding their offensive groove and scoring with ease. Sophomore Mackenzie Moe took care of the ball well and directed the offense, and freshman Josie Willard was a consistent scorer throughout the game.

When the first half came to a close, the score swung back in the Mustangs favor 19-17.

The second half was much of the same and as the clock winded down pressure was building on both teams. Neither team was able to break away and secure a lead, and the score switched back and forth every few minutes.

Only three minutes remained in the fourth quarter when freshman Addie Werbelow scored a basket and got fouled to give the Mustangs a two-point lead as well as a boost in momentum from the ecstatic student section, which included the boys basketball program that brought a large crowd.

However the small lead was not enough and El Capitan’s full court press put too much pressure for the Mustangs to handle. A pair of turnovers from the Mustangs caused four easy points for the Vaquero and SDA fell behind two points.

The Mustangs tried to get a shot off right as the buzzer rang, but junior Lena Mau’s effort came up short. The game finished 35-37.

Moe said, “The game was tough but we fought hard until the end. We definitely can improve on our defense.”

The Mustangs fell to 1-1 on the season, but showed more fight and skill than they have in previous years. Girls basketball continues to improve at SDA and will travel to play Sweetwater High School Friday today at 7 p.m.