NMMI Sports Press

The shorthanded Lady Colts dropped their fourth-straight contest Thursday night at the Godfrey Athletic Center, falling 32-18 to the visiting Jal Lady Panthers.

The Lady Colts were minus three players, including freshman guard and leading scorer Kaytlyn Lackey, but first-year head coach Lawrence Hall Jr. saw the game as an opportunity for less experienced kids to log some minutes.

“Our young players are getting better and getting that game experience that will pay off when we get to district play,” said Hall. “When we do have all our starters back, these kids will have more confidence in themselves to step in and help the team.”

Senior post/wing Paulina Sanchez led the Lady Colts with eight points and senior post Yasmeen Marrufo chipped in five.

The Lady Colts led 6-3 in the final minute of the first period, before Jal tied it with a corner triple. In the second quarter, NMMI managed a single point from trip to the charity stripe by Sanchez.

Hall’s adjustments at halftime paid off as the Lady Colts scored almost half their total points in the third quarter, with five each from Sanchez and Marrufo and a long, contested 2-pointer from Carolina Meza.

Freshman guard Jaylah Clay hit a short jumper and a free throw in the fourth quarter, the only NMMI points in the period.

Jal applied pressure throughout the game, forcing turnovers and battling for loose balls, providing a taste of what’s to come when district play begins Feb. 6.

“It was a very physical game and I thought we did a good job of keeping our composure, because I know the girls were frustrated,” Hall explained. “But that’s life. Gotta take your bumps and bruises and learn from it.”

The Lady Colts will have a chance to even their home record when they take on the Hagerman Lady Bobcats Monday at 5 p.m. at the GAC.