Lady Lions lose first game of the year

The Bakersfield Lady Lions lost their first game of the year Monday night against Thayer after starting the year 9-0.

Thayer steamrolled Bakersfield 86-52.

 "To be successful we have to force turnovers and control the boards on both ends of the floor and we didn't do either one tonight," Bakersfield coach Doyne Byrd said after the loss. "Thayer played a very good game but we just didn't perform the way we are capable. Now we have to see how we react after a loss."

Emma French led Bakersfield in scoring with 10 points, while Taylor Wells chipped in 9.

The Lady Lions were coming off two huge wins over Liberty and Dora.

In the game against Liberty Friday night, Sam Kuk scored 19 points to lead Bakersfield to a 81-57 victory.

Others scoring for Bakersfield were Emma French with 17, Kandy Foster with 10, Betsy Minkler with 9 and Martika Wages with 7.

Bakersfield also won the JV contest 24-17.

Against Dora on Thursday, Bakersfield rolled to a 71-51 win over the Lady Falcons. Emma French netted 19 points for Bakersfield, followed by Kandy Foster with 13 and Betsy Minkler with 12. Bakersfield also won the JV match 20-10.

The Lady Lions will play in the consolation round of the Thayer Tournament on Thursday.