The 23rd-ranked Lady Roadrunners' season opening eight-game winning streak came to an end Nov. 21 when they lost to the second-ranked Hutchinson Community College Lady Blue Dragons 83-64 in the Hutchinson Classic in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The Lady Blue Dragons jumped out to an early 8-2 advantage with about 16 minutes remaining in the first half. A three-point shot from sophomore guard Erin Boothe cut the deficit to two at 10-8. SFCC cut the lead to 38-34 with less than 30 seconds remaining in the half. Hutchinson took a 40-34 lead into halftime.

"The run at the end of the half started with Erin Boothe getting a couple of defensive stops," said Lady Roadrunners Assistant Coach Jordan Greenleaf. "That led into our transition offense and we got a couple looks for Alecia Cooley."

The Lady Blue Dragons used a 14-5 run to open the second half and take control of the contest, emerging with the victory.

Boothe led three Lady Roadrunners in double-figure scoring with 15 points, including three of five from beyond the three-point arc. Cooley contributed 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Derriel Banyard added 10 points. Sannayyiah Johnson registered a team-leading three steals.

SFCC (8-2) closed out its portion of the classic Nov. 22 against the 20th-ranked Seward County Community College Lady Saints from Liberal, Kansas. Seward jumped out to a 23-11 lead to open the contest.

SFCC had a chance to cut the lead to 10 late in the half, but the Lady Roadrunners committed a turnover. The Lady Saints led 43-28 at the half. Seward outscored SFCC 31-30 in the second half to secure the 74-58 victory.

"We had a chance to come out and play another ranked team and get better," said Greenleaf. "Seward beat us back in transition more than any team has this year."

Cooley registered a double double with a team-high 14 points and 12 rebounds. Sierra Clayborn added 11 points.

"We need to focus on our post passing, limiting our turnovers and rebounding," said Greenleaf.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics Department