WBB Wins Season Opener Against Trinidad
The NMJC women's basketball team opened the season up with a 100-53 win over Trinidad State College.
The Thunderbirds dominated from the start leading by 17 points after the first quarter. The T-Birds outscored the Trojans by 17 points again in the second quarter, which gave NMJC a halftime lead of 56-22. Amyah Sutton recorded 17 of her 20 points in the first half. Sutton finished the game 9-of-10 from the field in her season debut.
NMJC was just as impressive in the second half when they outscored Trinidad by 10 points in the third quarter and three in the fourth. The T-Birds reached the century mark with a little over a minute left thanks to a free throw from freshman guard Liz Buendia.
Cacia Antonio made an impact across the floor with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Pania Davis was 5-of-10 from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the stripe to post a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
"A double-double in 15 minutes is always impressive," NMJC women's basketball head coach Austin Mefford said. "Pania does a great job and was able to get some shots to fall tonight and make it to the free throw line."
Maya Contreras was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field tallying nine points and four rebounds.
Redshirt freshman forward Emma Najjuma finished with seven points and six rebounds. Point guard Jada Graves ended the game with a team-high eight assists. Sophomore guard Nuria Estrade added nine points.
"We had 15 players score tonight and anytime that happens that's a good night," Coach Mefford said. "One thing we have this year that I think we haven't in year's past is depth and I think that showed tonight. We played 16 people but there wasn't a huge drop off when we subbed."
The T-Birds shot 40-of-78 (51.3%) from the field, 6-for-15 (40%) from the 3-point line, and 14-of-22 (63.6%) from the charity stripe. The Thunderbirds forced 17 turnovers and held the Trojans to 30.8% from the field and 19.4% from beyond the arc.
No. 7 NMJC moves to 1-0 overall and will play Barton CC in Hobbs, NM Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10:30 a.m. MDT.
