Women Warriors Lose, but Impress in Home Opener

Heart and hustle were the headlining properties of the Warriors tonight in a 106-63 loss to the Park University Buccaneers. The Warriors were up to the challenge against their cross-town rivals before a sellout and raucous crowd at Scott Activity Center, never breaking against the consistent and unrelenting full court press and outside shooting that are a hallmark of Park's play. Despite the outcome, head coach Gamal Smalley was proud of his team as they rebounded from a opening night loss at Park two nights prior. "We played hard all game. No one took a play off. I love the way we played and am proud of this team."

The turnover problems that plagued the squad in their opening night 122-33 loss at Park in Gilbert Thursday night returned early in the game leading to a quick Buccaneers double-digit lead. However, any home opening night jitters that may have been there seemed to settle down by the end of the period and focus returned to the club. "Ball-handling continued to be an issue for us tonight, but we were much smarter about our passing tonight which allowed us to stay in it throughout."

Makayla Powell and Tatiana Ayala were forces down low using their strength to defend the Park bigs, grabbing numerous rebounds and recording blocks in key moments spurring fastbreak opportunities. Unique Begishe starred of the bench, the epitome of heart in the second unit. Her tight defensive pressure kept opponents off balance regularly disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers.

Alynna Palacios shined for the Buccaneers scoring both inside and out, nailing a number of 3-point shots that served as early daggers in visitor's victory.

Up next for Coach Smalley's Warriors is the first of a six-game road trip, beginning at Southwest (New Mexico) University on November 1. Nelson's next home game will not be until December 5, at 5pm when they take on the Stanton Elks.