Holtville girls drop first of season at Sweetwater Tourney

NATIONAL CITY — On Wednesday the Holtville High’s girls basketball team returned to action for the first time since Dec. 11 — when they defeated the Southwest Eagles 45-40 — to compete in the Sweetwater New Year Classic Tournament.

There they opened with a win, improving their perfect start, before falling in round two.

The Vikings looked a bit rusty in the opening quarter of their day one defeat of the Escondido Cougars. They were behind 12-9 after one, but they were able to turn things around and take a 22-20 lead into halftime before a big 23-8 second half secured the victory. 45-28.

Leading the way against the Cougars were junior guard Amanda Angulo for the Vikings — 16 points, four assists and five steals — and freshman Orian Anderson, who chipped in 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. Sophomore center Carolina Valdes also had a solid game, finishing with six points, 13 rebounds and six blocks for Holtville.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, their early offensive struggles against Escondido seemed to return on Thursday against Rancho Bernardo.

The Broncos held Holtville to 26 points for the entire game, besting them 49-26 to end their run of perfection at 12 wins.

The Vikings continue in the Sweetwater tournament through Saturday. They’ll look to get back on the plus side of the ledger this afternoon against Monte Vista.

—Aaron Bodus, abodus@ivpressonline.com