By Lindsey Soet
On Jan. 27 the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team faced off against Kirtland Community College at the Ford Fieldhouse. Even in freshman forward Ava Schultz’s absence, the Raiders stepped up and secured their first home win of the season, 59-37.
The Raiders coasted through the first quarter, effectively shutting down the Firebirds’ defense. That coupled with Kirtland shooting 6.3% from the field allowed GRCC to take an 18-point lead heading into the second quarter. Freshman guard Tia Richard scored 15 points in the quarter alone, leading the Raiders to a 21-3 lead after the first quarter.
The second quarter proved to be more difficult for the Raiders, as their lead was slipping away and they were scrambling to keep the upper hand over the Firebirds. Both teams found themselves in foul trouble this quarter, with Kirtland amassing nine personal fouls and GRCC seven. On top of this, both coaches received verbal warnings from the refs. Additionally, sophomore guard Avery Jirous was unable to play for part of quarter due to an ankle injury, but returned with 3:13 left in the half. Despite the Raider’s challenges, they managed to maintain their lead over Kirtland 32-22 heading into the second half.
GRCC regained their grip over the Firebirds in the third quarter, increasing their lead and capitalizing on free throws. The Raiders scored six of their 13 points in the quarter off free throws. GRCC continued to outplay the Firebirds and led 45-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
The final quarter started off with a bang for the Raiders, as freshman shooting guard Noli Brown quickly stole the ball from Kirtland to make a swift field goal within the first 20 seconds. The Raiders maintained this energy throughout the fourth quarter, scoring an additional 12 points to secure their victory over the Firebirds. Both teams continued to experience foul trouble in the fourth quarter, with Kirtland player Adrianna Gilmore fouling out, forcing the Firebirds to play down a woman for the final 1:07 of the game. The Raiders secured a 22-point win over Kirtland, 59-37.
Richard scored a season-high 25 points and five rebounds, and freshman guard Cylie Burns scored a season-high 12 points, four rebounds and one steal. Brown scored a season-high five points, four rebounds and five steals.
Head coach David Glazier believes that Schultz’s absence allowed other players to step up for GRCC against Kirtland.
“Other kids recognize when people are out,” Glazier said. “I think it took them a bit to get going, but ultimately I think each kid kind of took on a little extra.”
Burns believes that her success was because of her aggression and the team’s success was because of communication and keeping the same intensity as they had in the first half.
“I kind of was aggressive…and really found a groove in my shooting,” Burns said. “As a team, I think we played really well. We really talked (and) really came out at half and that was one of our bigger things is coming out and being a team.”
GRCC is now 5-11 overall and 2-3 in conference play. The Raiders will be back in action on Jan. 31 against Delta College at 5:30 p.m. at the Ford Fieldhouse.
