Carpinteria’s girls basketball team was within striking distance in the fourth quarter of Villanova before dropping the Frontier League opener 42-33 to Villanova on Tuesday.
Lauren Tiara’s second 3-pointer of the contest made it a 6-point game until Villanova converted several free throws in the final minute.
Juli Cullens totals eight points and seven rebounds while Elena Schneider added seven points and six rebounds.
Natalie Miotti led the Wildcats, who are ranked No. 2 in Division 5-A, with 12 points. Miotti, Samantha Watson and Katrina Von Burg combined to score 31 of Villanova’s 42 points.
“They’re still the league favorite so we feel like we can give them another great game in a few weeks in their gym,” said Warriors head coach Dan Mercer.
Carpinteria has been playing better of late after a shaky first few weeks of the season.
“A really good effort and I think this team is going to come on and be a CIF contender,” Mercer said.
Carpinteria can win its first league game on Thursday against Malibu.
