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| Alicia Hett 8 pts., 5 rebs, 3 stls. (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
Farmington missed 15 of its first 16 shots in the opening period and at one point went more than 10 minutes without a field goal as the Jaguars built a 19-5 lead.
But the visitors closed the half on an 8-1 run on baskets by Jordyn Homeier, Kaitlyn Gorden, Abby Gallus and Sofia Chadwick to pull within 20-13 at intermission.
"Give them (Jefferson) credit for scouting us and knowing what to expect," Tiger coach Sondra Chadwick said. "Every time we called out a set they were right there....They also did a good job of using their size to their advantage."
Back-to-back baskets by Alica Hett early in the second half pulled the Tiger to within six points but each time the deficit narrowed the Jags seemed to come up with a response. A three-pointer here, a defensive stop there...
Trailing 42-30 with four minutes to play the Tigers made one last run, twice cutting the margin to four points, the last at 45-41 on two free throws by Chadwick with 25 seconds to play.
In the end Jefferson won the game at the foul line, making four clutch free throws in the final minute.
"One thing we have been stressing to the girls is fighting back when he hit a valley," Chadwick said. "We did it again today but it wasn't quite enough."
Farmington started an all-sophomore lineup against the taller Jaguars who went with three juniors and a pair of seniors.
"Right now we are going with the players who are producing," Chadwick said, "not just with points, but defense, rebounding, and hard work...It's all a work in progress because we are so young and still learning the game at this level."
Chadwick led the Farmington scoring with 15 points despite being hounded by several defenders from start to finish. Hett added eight points, five rebounds and three steals and Gallus who sat much of the second half with foul trouble chipped in with six points.
Farmington (0-5) will be looking for that elusive first win Tuesday when they entertain Apple Valley at Tiger Gym.
"Although I am pleased with the continued improvement of the girls, we do need to figure out how to close out these close games and the girls need to start believing that they can win," Chadwick said. We cannot use the excuse of our youth and inexperience any longer."
