Byrd’s 35 Fuels Second-Half Rally, but San Jose Falls to Hartnell, 81–73

SAN JOSE — Hartnell used a fast start and timely shooting to hold off a second-half surge by San José City College, pulling away late for an 81–73 women's basketball win Friday night.

The Panthers opened the game with 28 first-quarter points and built a 45–31 halftime lead, then weathered a strong third-quarter push by the Jaguars before closing the door in the final minutes.

San Jose cut the deficit to 57–55 after a dominant third quarter, outscoring Hartnell 24–9 behind a relentless offensive effort from Synise Byrd. Byrd poured in a game-high 35 points on 14-of-34 shooting and added 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals to keep the Jaguars within striking distance.

Hartnell answered in the fourth, however, leaning on efficient shooting and balanced scoring to regain control. Mia Henson led the Panthers with 25 points, including four 3-pointers, while Bailey Cotter added 20 points and eight rebounds. Ana Maurer provided a strong presence off the bench with 10 points, four rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.

Hayley Johnson finished with 21 points for San Jose, and Kaydin Meyer contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. The Jaguars won the rebounding battle 32–28 and forced 17 turnovers, but Hartnell shot 52.3 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three-point range to offset those advantages.