BANQUETE — The first district basketball game is usually a cause for jitters, especially if it’s on the road. Well, the Skidmore-Tynan Lady Cats got by the possible early jitters to record a 51-35 victory over the Lady Bulldogs on Tuesday night.

“The girls had a great start in this game and were determined to win. The shooting, passing and defense were very good against Banquete,” said head coach Joseph Grimes III.

“I am glad the girls played an excellent game and started off the district season with a big win.”

The pace was slow in the first period as both teams struggled from the field. The S-T girls managed to pull out in front and take a four-point advantage, 10-6, as the buzzer sounded for the end of the first eight minutes.

Relaxed and gaining confidence with each successful shot, the S-T girls burned the nets for 18 second quarter points while holding the Bulldogs on a short leash with just seven points. That gave the visitors a comfortable 28-13 lead at the half.

The two teams traded baskets for the most part over the second half. The S-T squad hit for 13 third period points and added three more points to their margin as the home team hit 10. It was a 41-23 contest at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Lady Cats slowed things a bit over the final eight minutes, but the Lady Bulldogs were only able to erase two points off the Lady Cat advantage.

Mari Martinez hit a game-high 20 points in the victory. Amber Hughlett followed with nine points. Courtney Leonard added seven points, while Zehila Frias sank six markers. Naomi Garza contributed four.

The Lady Cat JV squad was also victorious, beating the Lady Bulldog junior varsity 31-25 in the first game of the evening. The Lady Cats host the Taft Greyhounds on Friday night.