The Lady Toppers played the Espanola Lady Sundevils at home in Griffith Gym Friday night for the right to progress to the championship game for District 2-4A. The teams had split their two previous meetings. Each team was hoping for a win to get a good seed in the upcoming State Championships. The teams played even through regular time and the game ended in a tie 56-56, which prompted overtime play. In the overtime period the Toppers had a narrow lead to the final minutes when Michaela Gonzales hit four clutch free-throws to put the game out of reach for the Sundevils and a win for the Toppers 71-60. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Michaela Gonzales hit four clutch free throws in the closing minutes of the game to put the game out of reach of the Sundevils and a win for the Toppers 71-60. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Natalie Gallegos hits for 2 in the opening minutes of the game. She scored 12 points for the night. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

It was Michaela Gonzales’ night to shine. She was a force on defense and a star on offense scoring 24 points to assure the win for the Toppers. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Becca Green was guarded by double coverage the entire night, but inspite of the coverage she managed 16 points. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com 

Alex Calderon was bringing the ball down court and pulled up for a shot. Jasmine Baca went up to block the shot and the two collided resulting in this specular photo. Fortunately no one was hurt. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Alex Calderon did what she does best, work the ball through the Sundevils defense to the basket. She scored 13 points for her efforts. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Janee Montoya had a productive night especially in the overtime when she scored a 3 point shot and a free-throw. She scored 7 points for the game. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com