NMMI Sports Press

 The Lady Colt basketball team continued their winning ways on Thursday as they faced the Hagerman Bobcats junior varsity and defeated them 52-27.

 NMMI took control of the game from the very beginning - Demitra Ulibarri scoring the first six points – and never surrendered that lead.

 “We started of the game very good,” said head Coach Marisha Olesinski. “We made some good shots in the first two minutes and that allowed up to build a lead early.”

 The Institute held a 20-8 advantage at the end of the first.

 Abigail Valadez and Tianna Tsosie caught fire in the second quarter as they combined for nine of the 15 points in the period giving NMMI a 35-14 at halftime.

 Abundant turnovers resulted in a sluggish third quarter. Neither team managed a bucket for the first three minutes of play.

 “Our defense was outstanding tonight,” said Olesinski. “We pressured their guards and made them turn the ball over and our rebounding was excellent.”

 Tsosie continued to pave the way for the Lady Colts, sinking three shots for six points - bringing her total to 14 - and NMMI led 43-21 heading into the fourth.

 NMMI had the momentum the entire game and the scoreboard showed it at the end of the game and the offensive struggles for Hagerman resulted in a 25-point loss.

 Tsosie led all scorers on the night with 18 points. Valadez finished with 13 and Ulibarri added 12 of her own. Hagerman’s Yamile Otriz led the Bobcats with 11.

 The Lady Colts travel to Loving on Monday and tipoff is set for 5:00 PM.