The Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team rallied from their recent loss to Muskegon Community College to defeat Kellogg Community College Jan. 27 with a score of 67-47.
Head Coach for GRCC’s women’s team, Dave Glazier, gave props to his players’ overall performance in the Raiders win and explained what the team hopes to continue in their upcoming matchup against Kalamazoo Community College.
“(Just) playing our game. We shot the ball well and we play against great opponents,” Glazier said. “We talk at each practice and tell ourselves to prepare for the next (game).”
The Raiders started off the game with multiple empty possessions. With little to no communication from players and countless second-chance points that couldn’t fall through the net, Glazier called a timeout to reiterate the game plan and get his team back on track. Facing an early 9-2 deficit, the Raiders comeback was sparked by two consecutive three-pointers by sophomore guard Rayven Mondy (14).
“It was about us coming together,” Mondy said. “We started off slow and realized we needed to pick up. That’s all it was.”
The Raiders’ efforts on the defensive end were nothing short of resilient as well. Sophomore guard Elizabeth Palmer (22) dove in front of any passing lane, forcing multiple dead balls and finishing with three steals. A game-high nine blocks from sophomore forward Kendall Griffieon allowed the Raiders to run in transition and find open looks. Griffieon also contributed 18 points and seven rebounds.
Going into halftime with a 42-23 lead, the Raiders never looked back on their onslaught. The second half basically resembled the first half, with the third quarter ending 55-34 and the Raiders obstructing the Bruins from making any comeback.
Two Raiders contributed a double-double for the team’s win – freshman forward Danielle Lamancusa with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore forward Bethany Chick (11th of season) finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Raiders improved their record to 7-12, 5-3 in their conference, and will be on the road Jan. 29 to face Kalamazoo Community College. The next home game will be Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ford Fieldhouse. Admission for the public is $3 and free for any individual with a GRCC student I.D.
