SMCC Women's Basketball Defeats Cuyamaca College

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College women's basketball team (3-2) defeated Cuyamaca College 73-62 in a non-conference contest at Pima CC on Nov. 22 in Tucson. Sophomore Sadie Gardner scored a career-high 29 points and recorded a career-high seven steals. Freshman Tyra Holyan posted 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Cougars recorded the neutral-site victory. 

SMCC led 43-25 at halftime after a strong first two quarters. The Coyotes fought back in the second half, but they could not overcome the early deficit as the Cougars prevailed. SMCC shot 41.2 percent (28 of 68) from the field and totaled 50 rebounds, 22 assists, 16 steals, and two blocks in the victory. 

Gardner finished 10 of 23 from the field and made five 3-pointers to lead the Cougars. She added three rebounds and four assists to the seven steals and is averaging 19.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in five games this season. 

Holyan went 9 of 19 from the floor to post her third game over 20 points this year, and her 11 rebounds set a new season high as she registered her first career double-double. She added four assists, two steals, and a blocked shot in the win. Holyan is averaging 18.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks in five games. 

Freshman Ramona Gregg was the third Cougar to finish in double-figures, scoring 12 points on 5 of 8 shooting. She also recorded seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, and is averaging 7.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 steals in five contests. 

Freshman Jayden Lynch set a new season high with eight rebounds and matched a season best with seven assists. Off the bench, freshman Janelle Smith contributed four points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a steal, while freshman Kashari Bullard totaled three points and six rebounds.