NMMI Sports Press
The Lady Colt Basketball team wrapped up the regular-season home schedule with a 40-35 loss to the visiting Dexter Lady Demons at the Godfrey Athletic Center Tuesday night.
The Lady Colts handled the defensive pressure much better than they did in the last few games, avoiding the multiple-turnover runs that doomed them previously.
“I think we broke the press very well tonight, and took care of the ball,” said NMMI head coach Marisha Olesinski. “It’s sad for the girls to lose such a close game, but I’m very happy with the way they played against a good team.”
Most of the first three-and-a-half quarters was a one possession game, minus a couple minutes during the second period when the Lady Colts fell behind 18-13, but quickly caught up with some good defense and two close jumpers and a free throw from senior forward Olive Amechi.
NMMI took the halftime lead on a close shot from junior guard/forward Yasmeen Marrufo off the feed from senior forward Emily Spaniel and the Lady Colt went to the locker room with a 20-19 lead.
Four Lady Demons scored points in the third quarter while the Lady Colts became somewhat predictable as the only points came from post players Amechi and Spaniel, who were constantly double teamed.
“Those two really do damage under the basket and that’s what I told my guards. I wanted them to take more shots so all the focus wouldn’t be on Olive and Emily,” Olesinski said.
Down 27-25 going into the final period of play, NMMI tied the game when Amechi tight-roped the baseline to save a missed shot and found Marrufo for the close make.
But that would be as close as the Lady Colts would get, as the Lady Demons pulled away for the five-point win.
Spaniel led NMMI with 13 points including 1-of-3 from the free-throw line. Amechi had 12 points and went 4-for-8 from the charity stripe. Marrufo chipped in four points and senior guard Alahana Picos opened the second quarter with the team’s lone 3-pointer of the night, on which she was fouled and drained the and-1.
The fourth Lady Colt senior, Nickole Mendez, went scoreless, but had her typical strong defensive showing and took care of the ball.
“I think it’s gonna be tough without those four,” Olesinski said. “They bring so much experience, skills, size and height. And they play hard for each other. I’ve enjoyed coaching them and I hope they continue to learn. Win or lose, there’s more to life than just the game and I expect these ladies to do great things in life.”
Before the game, the four Lady Colt seniors were recognized and the seniors recognized their coaches, Olesinski and first-year assistant coach Chantale Riddle, also the head volleyball coach for the Lady Colts. Each player took the mic and said a few nice words about their coaches and their time at the Institute.
The Lady Colts (2-8 overall, 0-3 in District 4-3A) will finish out the regular season with three-straight road games, a tough task for any team.
“It’s going to be tough, but we never give up and we’re gonna fight to the end,” Olesinski said.
NMMI travels to Ruidoso to face the Lady Warriors on Friday at 5:30 p.m.