NMMI Sports Press
The Lady Colts struggled to find open passing lanes and allowed the sharp-shooting Lady Warriors too many open looks during a 48-24 loss at Gateway Christian School in Roswell Monday night.
"Our seniors and more exprienced players really tried to carry the load, but it just wasn't the night for us," said NMMI head coach Marisha Olesinski. "Some silly turnovers, not really a lot of positive things to say. Some girls who don't play as much got a few minutes today and played well. We needed more from our post."
Senior forward Olive Amechi lead all scorers with 10 points, including 6-of-8 from the free-throw line. Senior guard Nickole Mendez hit a 3-pointer in the first and fourth quarters and junior forward Paulina Sanchez had four points, all in the first half.
Senior guard Alahana Picos and senior forward Emily Spaniel each chipped in two points.
The Gateway Lady Warriors put the pressure on NMMI from the opening tip, causing havoc in the passing lanes and making it difficult for the Lady Colts to move the ball effectively.
"I have to give them a lot of credit," Olesinski said. "They pressed us, they made some good shots and they were not afraid of us at all. They were ready to play tonight and we were not. There was a lot of good effort, but we have to clean it up."
The Lady Colts now sit at 2-5 on the season with two wins against Hondo Valley and the first district game tomorrow afternoon. The other three teams in the district have each played at least 17 games, making the task of becoming seasoned before the most important games a monumental task for Institute hoopers.
The Lady Colts start District 4-3A play tomorrow night (Tuesday, Jan. 31) against Ruidoso at the Godfrey Athletic Center on the NMMI Campus at 5 p.m.