By Dana Finkler
Collegiate Staff Writer
The GRCC women’s basketball team hosted the Kellogg Community College Bruins on Friday, February 10 at the Ford Fieldhouse.
The Raiders came out on top 52-37 snapping a four game losing streak and won their second match against Kellogg this season.
“We had a tough stretch where we played a lot of the top teams in our conference, but at the end of the day we’ve got to get to the point where we are playing more consistent,” said Head Coach Eric Taylor.
The Raiders’ previous four games were against #5 Kalamazoo Valley CC, #19 Lake Michigan College, Lansing CC, and Jackson CC. Three of the losses were by double-digit figures except for Lansing CC losing by only eight points.
During the first half, it was a back and fourth game, each team battling each other for the lead, but the Raiders clawed their way to a 21-19-halftime lead.
Freshman guard Jordyn Priestly led the Raiders with seven first half points.
Kellogg CC sophomore center Samantha Krueger almost had a double-double by halftime, scoring eight points and pulling down 12 rebounds.
Eight of the twelve rebounds were offensive.
In the second half, Coach Taylor was determined to put away the Bruins by implementing a full court press defense and it worked.
Kellogg CC struggled shooting the ball, only making 21 percent from the floor, and the Raiders took the advantage.
The team had Destiny Robinson return from an injury, and she led the team in scoring with 15 points.
Sophomore Kelsey Jensen added 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds.
Freshman Katie Mitchell contributed for the Raiders pulling down 10 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists despite being held scoreless.
“It wasn’t our best game, but we were able to get some pressure on them in the second half and come out with a win,” Taylor said. “It was nice to see some of our guards pull down some rebounds.”
Krueger finished with 18 points and pulled down 20 rebounds in a losing effort. She also had four steals and two blocks.
The Raiders improved to 9-11 overall and 4-7 in conference play.
The Raiders look to keep battling to make a playoff push against Glen Oaks CC Wednesday night at Glen Oaks.
In the previous match-up at Ford Fieldhouse, the Raiders beat Glen Oaks 75-54. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
