CALIFORNIA, Mo. - The Fulton Lady Hornets' losing streak was extended to six games after they bowed to the host California Lady Pintos in their first game of pool play in the 23rd-annual California Tournament on Monday.
Fulton (1-7) trailed 22-5 after the first quarter and faced a 36-16 deficit at halftime. California outscored the Lady Hornets 13-6 in the third period to stretch their lead to 49-22.
"I thought we came out with more of a varsity intensity this game," Fulton head coach TJ Quick said. "I thought we did a good job of getting more aggressive, attacking the basket and our defensive rotations were excellent. Those are things that are going to slowly but surely get better once we get used to the varsity level."
Junior guard Shawnie Hempfield led the Lady Hornets with seven points and five rebounds.
Elizabeth Lutz paced the Lady Pintos with a game-high 23 points.
Fulton plays its second game of the tournament against Boonville at 4:30 p.m. today.