After a slow start, the Mariners righted their ship and sailed to blowout win over the Contra Costa Comets on Thursday evening in Kentfield. The team led by just five at the end of the first and seven at halftime, however in the second half they stormed through the Comets for a 61-35 win. It was the third straight win for the Mariners who were led by Janea Early and her 18 points.
It was a struggle out of the gate as Contra Costa competed well in the opening minutes. The Mariners struggled to clear the defensive glass and allowed the Comets a number of second chance opportunities. Kaleah Williams had a pair of deep three pointers to keep Marin ahead as they led 18-13 after ten minutes of play. It was a sluggish second quarter as Marin managed just 10 points with a litany of turnovers and breakdowns that limited their opportunities. Contra Costa was equally ineffective, as they managed just eight points in ten minutes. At halftime Marin held a slim 28-21 lead.
The Mariners took flight or sea rather in the third quarter as their offense awoke. Maya Murry Pena had seven points in the period, while Victoria lane and Early added six each. Marin's defense tightened as well and after the third Marin held a comfortable lead 50-29. They slowed up in the fourth, scoring just 11 points, but they limited the visitors to only five and took the game by a comfortable margin, 61-35.
Janea Early led all scorers with 18 points including 6-10 from the free throw line. Lane had 14 points while Murry Pena also had 14 points, her second highest scoring output of the season.
The win pushed Marin into third place in the Bay Valley Conference with their 5-2 record.Next up for the Mariners is a trip to Napa Valley College on Wednesday, January 17th.