Hobbton Middle’s girls went to Union Monday night with heavy hearts and steely determination, and they came away with a 35-20 road win over the young Spartan girls.

Wildcat coach Parenza Best said the girls, still grieving over the loss of eighth-grade classmate Larissa Estrada who was killed over the weekend, wanted to dedicate the game to their friend. “They wanted to win this for her,” the coach stressed. “They played their hearts out for her.”

Hobbton jumped out to an early 6-2 lead and never looked back, scoring 19 more points in the second frame to go into the half ahead 25-9.

Although Union made stabs at a comeback, adding 5 more points in the third quarter and 6 in the final frame, Hobbton proved too strong and got the victory they were hunting.

Defense, said Best, was the key to the game. “Our defense held Union and our offense was patient. It was a good combination for us tonight.”

Scoring for Hobbton was Nina Davone with 13 points; Mackenzie Williams, 11; Denise Lamb, 7; Ashley Hinterleiter, 2; and Tessa Hardison, 2.

Best praised the leadership of Davone and Williams, saying they had worked real hard with the seventh graders on the team, trying to help them improve their play.”They did a great job leading the team,” the coach stressed.

Hobbton plays host to Midway Middle Thursday. Game time is 4 p.m.