FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – For the first time facing someone other than themselves, the New Mexico Highlands basketball team hung tough with NCAA Division I Northern Arizona before falling 84-53.
"I was pleased with our effort and execution tonight, especially for a game this early in the season," first year head coach
Brianna Finch explained. "We got good looks, but we just needed to knock down a few more baskets."
The Cowgirls were able to get some solid contributions from the bench with 33 points. Senior
Miranda Martinez and junior
Brittany Brown came off the bench to lead the team with 11 points each. Senior
Claudia Meneses (seven) and sophomore
Jacinda Woodruff (six) led the team in rebounds.
"I thought we battled inside and rebounded well given the mismatch in size we faced with Miranda coming off the bench and giving us 11 points and two steals."
The Cowgirls made 16 of 58 baskets (27.6 percent) compared to 29-59 (49.2 percent) for the Lumberjacks. Individually for Northern Arizona, Erikka Banks scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds while Brittani Lusain came off the bench for 11 boards.
The Cowgirls kick off the season next Tuesday (Nov. 11) at Air Force. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
