GUSTINE — Emotions ran high at Gustine High School on Friday as the Lady Reds closed out their 2025–26 season with a determined 42–36 win over Le Grand, giving their seniors a memorable sendoff in front of a packed home crowd. The gym buzzed long before tipoff, with families, classmates and alumni filling the stands to honor the team’s seniors and celebrate a season defined by growth, grit and steady improvement.
Coming off a confidence‑boosting victory over Modesto Christian earlier in the week, Gustine carried that momentum into the final game. The Lady Reds struck quickly behind #3 Palomino, who opened with back‑to‑back buckets to give Gustine an early 4–2 lead. Contributions from #22 Esparza and #15 Alves helped widen the margin, and #5 Barcelos punctuated the first quarter with a deep three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the crowd into a roar as the Reds took a 16–8 advantage.
The second quarter showcased the same rhythm and confidence. Barcelos continued to draw fouls and convert at the line, pushing the lead into double digits. With #23 Torres scoring consistently inside, the Lady Reds controlled the pace and limited Le Grand’s opportunities. Gustine’s defensive pressure forced rushed shots and turnovers, allowing the Reds to head into halftime with a commanding 28–11 lead.
Le Grand adjusted after the break, tightening their defense and slowing Gustine’s tempo. The Bulldogs chipped away at the deficit, but the Reds found timely answers. In the third quarter, #20 Rocha opened with a momentum‑shifting three-pointer, and Torres added another bucket to keep Gustine comfortably ahead. Even as the Bulldogs increased their pressure, the Reds maintained composure, relying on ball movement and patience to protect their lead.
The fourth quarter brought the most tension of the night. Le Grand surged late, cutting the margin to 40–34 as the crowd grew restless. Points from Rocha, #25, and #21 Ventura helped steady the Reds, but the Bulldogs continued to press. With 28 seconds remaining, #24 Izabella Rueda delivered the decisive moment, driving through traffic for a layup that sealed the win and ensured the seniors walked off their home court victorious one final time.
After the game, head coach Lisa Esparza reflected on the significance of the night and the team’s resilience throughout the season.
“I’m very proud — they worked really hard,” Esparza said. “They wanted to get this win on Senior Night. Just an amazing night overall.”
The victory capped a season of steady progress for a young roster that showed flashes of what’s possible in the years ahead. For the seniors, it was a fitting end; for the underclassmen, a reminder of the standard they’ll be expected to carry forward.
