Garden City women down Redlands in opener

El Reno, OK-The Garden City Women's Basketball team started the season on the road and was a little shorthanded with two of their players out with injuries.  Nick Salazar's team took up the challenge after a 21-11 season last year to play another 20-win team in their opener with a road game at Redlands.

Propelled by an efficient offense early in the game that racked up 24 first quarter points, the Broncbusters built their lead well into double digits for the second half to capture a 70-57 win.

Interesting enough, the Broncbusters almost had as many points in the third quarter when they outscored the Lady Cougars 23-19.  It was the ability of Garden City to hit shots from the outside that made the difference. 

Sophomore Guard Kavita Akula hit six three point buckets, three in each half in finishing with 18 points.  Monica Barefield making his debut with GCCC also had 18 points including three 3 pointers in the first half. 

It was not just the Broncbusters hitting the outside shot Post player DaRae Lewis connected for 10 of her sixteen points in the second half including eight points in the fourth quarter.

The defense also jumped out to a nice start allowing 23 points before halftime and holding one of the nation's most talented guards Sez Ambrosia to 13 and the only player in double figures for Redlands.

Garden (1-0) returns home for the Pepsi Classic this weekend when they host Northern New Mexico JV on Friday night for a 6pm tipoff.