Lady Rattlers Venomous Second Half Fuels Victory

By Thomas Terry

Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas—This Tuesday night the Lady Rattlers successfully defended the snake pit to win the 2023-2024 home opener against the Smithson Valley Rangers.

The Rattlers came into this matchup following a 56-45 victory against the Taft Raiders on Nov. 3. They’ve already begun showing signs of growth and development from last year’s anomalous down season.

From the moment the ball was tipped-off at 6:32 p.m., there was an aura in the arena that filled the air. The Rattlers were suited and booted for war. Every player from the point guard to the center played with a physicality that their opponent had to try and match. A defensive-oriented first half left the score 19-18 in favor of the Rangers.

Head Coach Jermaine Ervin mentioned that the halftime message was to continue finishing through contact.

“First half I thought we had great shots,” Ervin said. “They just rattled in and out.”

There was a discrepancy in attempted free throws favoring Smithson Valley in the first half, however the Rattlers heard Coach Ervin’s halftime message loud and clear. After scoring just 18 points in the first two quarters, the Rattlers put up 18 points in just the third quarter alone.

Coach Ervin highlighted a difference between this year and last year in the fact that “[the players] have to figure some things out on their own.” That’s exactly what they did because the Rattlers explosive third quarter was a result of their ability to create chaos in the Ranger backcourt.

A 15-point fourth quarter paired with more stifling defense closed the book on a Ranger comeback. The Rattlers would ultimately win the game and move to 2-0 on the season.

The Rattlers will take on the Canyon Cougars in an away bout this Friday night at 6:30 p.m.