The New Mexico Military Institute Lady Colt basketball team earned their first win of the season, downing Hondo Valley High School at home, 44-29.

"We looked good tonight, especially in the first and fourth quarters," said head NMMI coach Marisha Olesinski. "We had a tough game last night and our girls really wanted to get the win tonight against Hondo."

In similar fashion to the double overtime loss less than 24 hours prior against visting Loving, the Lady Colts dominated the firtst quarter, 16-8, behind a nine-point effort by senior forward Emily Spaniel. Spaniel finished the game as the top-scorer, dropping in 21 total points and also notched the double-double with 14 rebounds.

But the Lady Colts let that lead slowly slip over the next two periods - going into the fianl fourth quarter, it was a two-point ballgame, 27-25, NMMI with the slim lead.

But unlike the game against Loving, this time the Lady Colts controlled the last stanza with solid defense and some easy buckets thanks to steals and pushing the ball up court.   

"We came ready to play, fought to the end," said Olesinski. "It was just a good win, for our school, our program and for our girls. Emily [Spaniel] was great tonight, as were all of our fowards. But I was especially proud of our guards, pressing hard, forcing turnovers, and running the fast break."

Junior guard Leylani Baca was the next highest scorer for NMMI with eight points, including a pair of three-pointers, with senior guard Alahana Picos was close behind with seven.

With the win NMMI improves to 1-3 on the season. They'll take on Hondo again on Thursday, Jan. 19, this time on the road.

"There's still plenty of things we need to work on, and not a lot of time," finished coach Olesinski. "But we'll correct some things on Wednesday in practice then get on the bus and try and play a complete game on the road against the Eagles."

Tee next home match for the Lady Colts will be Thrusday, Jan. 26 against Portales JV in the Godfrey Athletic Center at 5:00 pm MST.