KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — No mercy.
Those were the two words Harlingen High coach Ashley Moncivaiz echoed to her team Tuesday night before its clash with Harlingen South.
The message was received loud and clear, as Harlingen High thumped rival Harlingen South 53-33 on Tuesday night at South.
“We came in ready on both ends and we set the tone,” Moncivaiz said. “We came in wanting to score, and we didn’t want to show any mercy. That was our mindset coming into tonight’s game.”
Harlingen High’s Alyssa Cervantes drilled a 3-pointer to open up the game and helped spark a 17-2 first-quarter run that set the tone for the night. That, along with relentless pressure on defense, helped as the Lady Cardinals managed to keep their foot on the gas for four quarters.
Alexus Cotto scored a game-high 11 points, Ariel Leal netted eight and Cervantes finished with six for the Lady Cards.
Tuesday night’s matchup was a battle for sole possession of first place in District 32-6A. The Lady Cardinals improved to 4-0 with one game left in the first half of district play.
“Tonight, the girls were more intensely focused, they were flying to the ball and they were ready,” Moncivaiz said. “You can be focused and just going through the motions, and that wasn’t the case tonight. The girls have known they needed to adjust, and they did that over the weekend. They adjusted and were prepared.”
Harlingen High will look to wrap up a perfect 5-0 first half when it takes on Brownsville Rivera on Friday.
The Lady Hawks remain in good shape with a 3-1 district record, and they will have a date with Brownsville Hanna on Friday.
Laura Ramirez scored eight points, Dolores Mendoza finished with nine and Karla Reyes netted six for the Lady Hawks.