SLFB 2025 Finals - Game 1 - Pastoras surprised Caribenas to take 1-0 lead

Pastoras de Lara took a 1-0 lead in Venezuela's 2025 Superliga Femenina de Baloncesto (SLFB) Finals, by surprising Caribenas de Caracas as visitors, 72-66, at Jose Joaquin Carrillo Arena (Miranda Park) in Caracas, Venezuela.

Even though Caribenas, coached by Esteban Gonzalez , won the first quarter (22-19), Pastoras, coached by Diego Vasquez , reached half time with a three-point lead (41-38). They sustained their effort in the third quarter to extend that lead to 9 points (60-51). Caribenas improved their defense in the last 10 minutes but their 15-12 run wasn't enough to avoid the defeat.

"I came mentally focused. These are the moments I like the most" said Mariana Duran (172-PG-1993, college: Okla City), PG of Pastoras and Venezuela's Senior National Team, right after the end. She led her team with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Daniela Morillo-Wallen (179-SF-1995, college: Okla City) added a double double with 19 points and 18 rebounds. She also handed out 5 assists and added a couple of steals to her performance.

For the hosts, Astrid Hinojosa (174-PF-2008) finished up with 22 points and a couple of steals, Aguehil Fajardo (183-PF-1999) completed a double double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, Yesimar Escudero (168-PG-2007) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals while Waleska Perez (180-G-1994, college: Weatherford JC) finished up with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block.

Caribenas missed Eduglatriz Castro (178-F-2004) and Barbara Pico (168-PG-2002) due to injury and it was too costly for their intentions.