Stifling first-quarter defense helped the Chaps grind out a 45-35 District 25-5A win over visiting Bastrop Saturday.

The Bears (7-15 overall, 0-3 in district) scored only one basket as Westlake (16-5, 2-1) secured a 15-2 lead after the opening period. Bastrop managed to pull within 22-17 by the break, but the Chaps held on for the win despite shooting just 37.5-percent.

Point guard Cherrell Mays led Westlake with 14 points, and post Courtney Duever recorded her third consecutive double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Duever also had four steals to lead a pilfering Westlake defense that collected 18 steals.

Hannah Coley added six points and three rebounds for Westlake, while teammate Karlee Bell chipped in four points and a team-high three assists.

Westlake will face a familiar foe of sorts when the team hosts Connally (17-6 overall, 3-0 in district play) tonight at 7 p.m. Former Chap coach Laura Zouzalik now guides the Cougars after a four-year hiatus as a head coach.

Zouzalik garnered a 76-24 record in her three seasons at Westlake and led the Chaps to three district championships and a spot in the Class 5A state tournament in 2003.