The Voice - Student Newspaper

Women start 4-0, then drop two at home

The women's basketball team has been hot and cold in the first few weeks of their 2008-2009 tour.

Before last Wednesday's game against Yavapai, Sutherland admitted he was impressed by his team's start.

"I'm very surprised, pleasantly so. We've played four division I teams in our first five games, so to be 4-1 overall and 2-0 in conference is rather shocking."

"Playing hard and playing fast" are keys to being successful in this new play style according to Sutherland. He was aware that a traditional style of play wasn't going to work if his team wanted to be competitive.

The season opener was a historic night as the Lady Gauchos put up 136 points, a NJCAA record for most points scored in a single game. Freshman Melissa Capone made a statement by putting up 21 points. Jen Kelley was strong on both ends, posting 14 points and 10 steals. GCC went on to win big, 136-87.

Conference play opened up against Phoenix College three weeks ago. There appeared to be no sophomore slump for the six-foot-two center Lilli McCartney as she lit up the floor, scoring 23 points.

Discussing her maturity since last season, McCartney explains, "I'm far more prepared. I've realized the girls here are stronger, bigger, and faster. I know what to expect now." Five-foot-one guard Ceslii Granado dished out 14 assists that night in a 127- 105 victory over Phoenix.

In a fast-game style where plays are happening so quickly, Granado has been successful putting the ball in the right hands.

"When I get the ball, the coach just lets me do my thing. My teammates are fast and they've been making the shots" she stated.

The team didn't allow a lengthy bus ride to Eastern Arizona slow their momentum. The ladies connected on a remarkable 18 three-pointers. Leading scorers included Melissa Capone with 21, Baja Biggs with 17 and Brittany Lopez with 13 points. Chelsea Brown totaled 8 rebounds and Tameka Howard snagged 5 steals. GCC dominated in a 116-69 win.

Capone has been strong this season on the offensive end. Discussing her mindset entering each game, she says, "I have to keep my confidence up in order to stay solid. I have a team that backs me up and is here for me, also."

The Golden Eagles of Eastern Utah flew into Glendale territory for back-to-back contests on November 28-29. In game one, Pratt and Capone led the charge with 13 points each. Lopez and Brown combined for 23 rebounds along with Adeleye's eight steals in a GCC 116-87 triumph.

Game two was a different story, as CEU returned with a stronger game plan.

Janessa Adeleye led Glendale, posting 16 points, along with Capone's 12. However, the efforts weren't enough as the Lady Gauchos suffered their first loss of the season, 87- 80.

"We didn't rebound the ball on defense at any point in the game, and that was the determining factor" Sutherland said. "You can't run if you don't rebound the ball."

The ladies struggled again last Wednesday against Yavapai, suffering their second consecutive loss, 93-80. Defensive woes plagued the team as they allowed five Yavapai players to score in double figures.

On offense, Glendale (3-1 ACCAC, 5-2 overall) shot a frigid 9-for-46 from 3-point range.