Coyotes nipped by Rio Rancho in non-conference play | Local Sports

Roswell held a slim 16-15 lead after one, mainly because of the play of Rams’ freshman guard, Madi Martinez. She led Rio Rancho with nine points in the first, answering Morales and Tarin’s hot shooting.  

At times throughout the game, Rio Rancho pressed full court. Roswell efficiently handled the press, but struggled to break it in the second quarter. Two quick turnovers by Roswell, and suddenly the Lady Rams were up 21-18. However, scores by junior guard Emma Esquivel and Morales helped the Lady Coyotes regain the lead at 22-21. Roswell continued to push the tempo and went into the half leading 25-22.

The third quarter started the same way the game did, with a made three by Tarin. It looked like Roswell might build a comfortable lead, but Rio Rancho, thanks to Martinez, swung the momentum back into the Lady Rams’ favor. In about four minutes, Rio Rancho built a 35-29 lead. Sophomore forward Adamaris Vasquez had a sweet one to close the gap to 35-32. 

It was a 42-34 Lady Rams lead heading into the fourth quarter. Martinez was a force to be reckoned with in the paint and beyond the arc. She did not give up on plays and had 15 points by the end of three quarters. A lack of offensive and…