The Whitney High girls basketball team used a smothering defense to overwhelm visiting Vallejo 62-34 Saturday.

Senior Molly McConnell poured in 21 points to lead the Wildcats onslaught. Sophomore Julianna Ress added eight as did junior Sara Rosales. Sophomore Alana Vieira had seven as nine Whitney players scored in all.

WHITNEY 39, HERCULES 36

The Wildcats overcame a 15-2 first quarter deficit to down the Hercules Titans in a defensive struggle.

Senior Kristin Ladas turned things up from her point guard position to score 13 points to lead the ‘Cats to victory. Ress added eight points to the mix.

Ladas also had four of Whitney’s 13 steals and was 3-5 from beyond the 3-point arc. Ress had four rebounds and Molly Miles three.

Although Hercules out rebounded Whitney, the Titans were outgunned 7-2 from 3-point range. The Wildcats turned the ball over 23 times but gave Hercules only two points from the foul line.

VANDEN 86, WHITNEY 30

None of the Wildcats scored in double-figures on the Vikings’ home court and fell hard in a non-conference loss. The Fairfield team scored 39 points in the second quarter alone to take a 40-point lead by halftime.

McConnell led Whitney with eight points and Ladas added seven. The ‘Cats garnered only 16 rebounds and committed 43 turnovers in the contest.

WHITNEY 71, FOLSOM 53

The Folsom’s Bulldogs fell behind early and never recovered in the season opener for the two clubs. The maroon-and-gold jumped out to a 35-20 lead by intermission and cruised to the victory.

Sophomore Alanna Scott earned Player of the Game honors shooting 86 percent from the floor, including 4-4 from the 3-point line. Fellow sophomore Shelbi Meyer added 12 points to the Wildcats’ total as all but one player scored.

Whitney pulled down 27 boards and had 16 steals. The club committed just eight turnovers.

Whitney played host to Oakmont Tuesday. The Wildcats will travel to Santa Rosa Thursday for a three-day tournament at Maria Carillo.

WHITNEY 62, VALLEJO 34

Apaches          6          5          14          9 – 34

Wildcats          15        15        15        17 – 62

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Antelope (1-0) 68-33 winner over Valley

Mira Loma (3-2) 70-67 winner over Valley Christian

Rio Americano (3-1) 65-22 winner over Galt

El Camino (1-1) 61-46 winner over Las Plumas

Cordova (0-2) 38-30 loss to Union Mine