This one wasn’t pretty early, and it wasn’t supposed to be.
Outsized and out of rhythm in the first half, the Lady Dons watched good looks rim out, and possessions slip away. But games like this are rarely decided by aesthetics. They’re decided by resolve. And when the fourth quarter arrived, the Dons showed exactly who they are.
Senior Alexis Le authored the closing chapter. Two fearless three-pointers, followed by two calm free throws, sealed it. Ten of her game-high 19 points came in the final quarter, the kind of leadership that doesn’t flinch when the moment gets loud. On the final Vanden possession, freshman Millie Jones rose to meet a would-be desperation attempt and sent it back. Ballgame. Dons win, 49–45.
What stood out most was not a single play, but the collective will behind it.
Freshman Leah battled for every inch, carving out hard-earned rebounds in traffic. Fellow freshman Avery held her own in the paint defensively, helping turn the lane into a no-fly zone as the Dons tightened the screws. The defense as a whole was suffocating when it mattered most.
Sofia Fernandez delivered one of the quietest loud performances you’ll see: eight crucial points and ten rebounds, including three on the offensive glass that kept possessions alive and momentum tilted. Cameron Thornton chipped in seven points, punctuated by a timely second-quarter three that kept the Dons within striking distance when the offense stalled. Morgan Soo Hoo, came off the bench and contributed, making a key rebound in the first quarter when the intensity was high and every possession meaningful.
Millie Jones, continuing an impressive freshman campaign, added ten points to go with the game-ending block, production, and poise well beyond her years. And Sienna Fernandez, the emotional engine of this group, finished with five points, though her real impact lived between the lines: relentless hustle, constant pressure, and a defensive edge that never fades.
If there’s a defining trait of this team, it’s character. Heart. Attitude. Every player leaning into the moment, every possession earned together. The Lady Dons continue to improve and bring along their underclassmen to be key contributors.
Next up is a home matchup with Las Lomas.