Costa Mesa, CA- Despite 23 points from Sophomore Guard Jada Willingham , the Firestorm fell to the #6 Vanguard Lions 66-46 in Golden State Athletic Conference Play Saturday afternoon. 

In a game that was tied 43-43 at the end of the third quarter, the Lions (16-1, 4-0 GSAC) took advantage of the Firestorms thin bench and dominated the fourth quarter 23-3. The final score doesn't do the game justice, as the game was back and forth throughout. The Firestorm (9-7, 3-2 GSAC) got off to a slow start, turning the ball over five times and giving up a couple easy looks to the Lions. Trailing 11-4 at the end of the first quarter, the Firestorm regrouped and opened the second quarter on a 9-2 run. From there the game became a see-saw battle that saw the Firestorm take a two-point lead late in the half on a Willingham layup. A three-pointer by Victoria Chea would give the Lion's the lead at the half.

The Firestorm, who outscored the Lions in both the second and third quarters, made it very well known from the start of the second half that they were here to fight. Twice in the third quarter the Lion's looked to be pulling away but the Firestorm kept fighting back. Behind some quick jumpers from Sophomore Forward Makayla Enders, and Senior Guard Courtney Leach, the Firestorm closed the quarter out on a 8-2 run to tie the game heading to the fourth.

In the Fourth quarter, Claire Lamunu, who finished the game with 30 points, proved to be too much for the Firestorm. A combination of Lamunu heating up, and a couple shots not falling for the Firestorm provided enough of a cushion for the Lions to pull away for good. Despite the loss, Coach Odell Berry comes away from the game with a quiet confidence of just how special his team can be,

Said Berry, "We just ran out of gas in the fourth quarter,  "We played them so tough for first three quarters but we just ran out of gas. Vanguard is a tough place to play with the gym being so hot, so that definitely took a toll on us.

There's been a lot of questions about this young Firestorm team, but Coach Berry believes the future is bright for this group and he's excited for what is still to come.

"I hope today showed our girls that they belong" Berry said, "We have a lot of games left and we've proven we are more than capable of winning them. Very proud of this team today.  I'm excited to get another shot at Vanguard in our place."

The Firestorm will be back in action on Tuesday night (5:30 pm MST) in Fultz Memorial Gymnasium against GSAC foe Biola University.