COUGARS REMAIN LEAGUES ONLY UNBEATEN

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By Robert Balajadia

The last two unbeatens in girls basketball settled the score Monday night featuring two of the best players in the league.

Academy Cougars Kali ‘Special K’ Benavente and ND Royals Destiny ‘Queen-B’ Castro are instant attention grabbers when they step on the court, but Monday’s battle was a one-sided affair with the Cougars getting the 60-35 win over the visiting Royals.

The Cougars improve to a league best (10-0) while the Royals fall to (7-1).

Stealing the spotlight was Cougars game leading scorer Kirsten Pangelinan with 18 points. Pangelinan aggressively attacked the basket where she scored eight of her 18, to go along with two three pointers.

“I just tried to feel for it tonight. Sometimes my shots on point and other times it’s better when I drive to the basket. And if the other team over plays on Kali then other people have to step up,” said Pangelinan.

Academy jumped out to a 14-4 first quarter lead behind freshman standout Mia San Nicolas’ six points and four rebounds. San Nicolas finished with 12 points and 12 boards, five of them coming on the offensive end.

“We’re just playing together as a team,” said San Nicolas, who also had three blocks on the night.

The Cougars quickly stretched their 30-14 lead into a 40-14 lead with a 10-0 run to being the second half. Benavente started to look for her shot, scoring eight points in the 3rd period to blow the game wide open. The

Castro led the Royals with 11 points, but struggled with the defense of the Cougars. Castro was met by a defender as soon as she crossed half court and didn’t get clean looks at the rim with San Nicolas and fellow center Meghan Cruz challenging her on every attempt.

Royals Caley Chargualaf scored all nine of her points in the 4th period which included two three pointers from the corner and a nifty spin-move jumper. Cruz had a great game for the Cougars with six points, six rebounds, and three assists.

“It feels great, but we’re not satisfied,” said Pangelinan. “We still an entire second half to go. Teams are still getting better out there and we too have to stay consistent.”

Wendy’s Players of the Game Mia San Nicolas and Kirsten Pangelinan led the team in points.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Royals Destiny Castro tries to find room to score against the Cougars defense. (photo by Jackie Martinez)

Cougars Kali ‘Special K’ Benavente gets her two-point shot to go after driving into the teeth of the Royals defense. (photo by Jackie Martinez)

Cougars Kirsten Pangelinan sends a floater towards the basket for two points. (photo by Jackie Martinez)