The GCC Samsons fell to the NJCAA Division III Nationally Ranked Ladyjays of Minnesota West Community College 102-65 on Saturday, December 2nd in Worthington, MN. Last season's NJCAA National Runner-Up, Minnesota West standout Olivia Hayenga is the reigning NJCAA National Player of the Year.
The high-powered Ladyjay offense stormed out to an early 30-5 lead on the Samsons. GCC settled down for the final three minutes of the first quarter and the Samsons ended the intital quarter down 35-12 to the Ladyjays.
Hayenga scored to begin the second quarter, but the Samsons followed that with a 8-0 run. GCC Freshman Annabelle Besonen hit back-to-back 3-pointers and fellow Freshman Lilly Johnson hit a pair of free throws from the charity stripe and the Samsons trailed 39-18. Minnesota West continued to run the floor and share the ball, heading into halftime up 60-32.
Despite receiving tough defensive pressure from Hayenga the entire first half, GCC Sophomore Kylee Hewitt scored 9 points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed 4 rebounds in the initial half.
Although the Samsons significantly cut down their turnovers in the second half, the Ladyjays steady and effective offense was already rolling. Minnesota West led 72-46 after three quarters and extended that lead to 102-65 to finish the contest.
Hewitt battled all game long against a taller and longer Hayenga. Kylee's toughness and determination were evident as she led all scorers with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals. She was also 4-7 from the 3-point line. Besonen chipped in 11 points for GCC.
Hayenga had a triple double for the Ladyjays with 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.
GCC is back in action at home on December 8th vs. Riverland CC and December 9th vs. Anoka-Ramsey.
