Firato’s 22 points, strong free-throw shooting help Bulldogs
keep the Belt
MORGAN HILL
Terry Smith was so focused on Saturday’s game against Live Oak he forgot about the Championship Belt he was supposed to slip on after his Bulldogs beat the Acorns 42-36.
“I didn’t even know it was there,” the first-year Sobrato coach said. “It never crossed my mind.”
The Belt, awarded to the winner of each girls basketball game between the Morgan Hill schools, was in its usual location outside the Sobrato Main Gym.
Thanks to some clutch defense and a big night by sophomore forward Alyssa Firato, it won’t be moving anytime soon.
Firato poured in 23 points, and the Bulldogs (1-1 overall) scored most of their 14 charity points during the fourth quarter to secure their first win under Smith in nonleague play.
“We did a nice job with free throws. You’ve got to have those to win close games,” said Smith, who’s team shot 14 for 22 from the stripe.
“Alyssa played really well. She was very active and physical. She did a good job attacking the basket and getting fouled.”
Smith also lauded the play of his young point guard, Jordan Smith. The sophomore efficiently ran the offense and defended well against Live Oak’s veteran guards, Meghan Perez and Anisha Patel.
The Bulldogs benefited when Acorns forward Fa Saulala fouled out early in the third quarter. Live Oak (1-4) still cut into a 21-13 halftime deficit but could only trade baskets in the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs face a huge challenge at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Valley Christian. From there, they travel to the Lady Cougar Classic in Carmel.
“We have some pretty big tests this month before the start of league,” Smith said. “It’ll be good for us.”
Live Oak opens play in the Homestead December Madness event Friday.
BOYS SOCCER
Live Oak and Sobrato made a strong showing in Homestead Christmas Cup play Saturday.
In Redwood City, the undefeated Acorns (3-0-1 overall) beat Sequoia 2-1 with goals by Alejandro Diaz and Alexis Diaz, and the Bulldogs bounced back from their first loss to beat Fremont 1-0 in Sunnyvale.
Robbie Rubenzer scored his first goal of the season for Sobrato (2-1).
