Folsom Lake Fends Off Modesto to Secure Another Conference Win

The Folsom Lake College Falcons earned a gritty 61-55 victory over the Modesto Junior College Pirates on January 24. In a closely contested game, the Falcons relied on a fast start and resilient defense to hold off the Pirates' late surge, adding another win to their season tally.

Dominant First Quarter Sets the Tone

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their dominance, storming to a commanding 22-7 lead in the first quarter. Crisp ball movement and stifling defense kept the Pirates on their heels, as Folsom Lake capitalized on Modesto's shooting struggles. The Falcons' ability to force turnovers and convert them into points proved crucial in building an early cushion.

By halftime, Folsom Lake led 36-24, demonstrating their ability to control the game on both ends of the court.

Pirates Push Back in the Second Half

Modesto found their footing in the third quarter, outscoring the Falcons 12-10 as Sara Davis and Izabella Sanchez led the charge. Davis posted a team-high 16 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Sanchez recorded an impressive double-double with 13 points and 10 boards. Their efforts helped narrow the gap heading into the final frame.

The Pirates continued to chip away at the deficit in the fourth quarter, outscoring Folsom Lake 19-15. However, the Falcons' disciplined defense and timely offensive plays ensured they remained in control down the stretch.

Falcons' Key Contributions

Though individual statistics were not detailed in the box score, the Falcons' success was clearly a team effort. Their balanced scoring, relentless defensive pressure, and composure under pressure allowed them to withstand Modesto's comeback attempts. Late-game free throws and critical defensive stops sealed the win for Folsom Lake.

Coach's Perspective

"This wasn't our cleanest game, but our team showed heart," said the Falcons' head coach. "We jumped out early, which gave us the buffer we needed when Modesto made their run. It's another step forward for us, and I'm proud of how the team responded in a tough environment."

Looking Ahead

With this win, Folsom Lake continues to build momentum in their conference schedule. Their ability to start strong and close out games will be critical as the season progresses. The Falcons look poised to make noise in the standings if they can maintain their consistency and grit.