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It's always the first one that's the hardest to obtain.
But the Dodge City Community College women's basketball achieved it on Monday night, claiming their first victory of the season over the McPherson College Lady Bulldogs 63-47.
Not only was it the first win of the season for Dodge, it was the opening win for first-year head coach Lucas McDonald.
Leading the way for the Conqs was sophomore Sharice Papaleo, who used her prowess, size and experience to outmuscle Bulldog defenders all night, to the tune of 12 points and 20 rebounds.
Also reaching the double-digit mark for points was guard Laquaris Harris, who netted 10 points on three of eight shooting, while guard Je'nae Strong added in 12 herself on 5 of 10 shooting.
The game started off strong for Dodge, who jumped out to an early lead thanks to strong defense.
However, that lead quickly turned into a deficit as the Conqs went ice cold from the floor, allowing the Bulldogs to jump on top 22-17 midway though the first half.
That is when Papaleo and company put the clamps on the McPherson offense, stifling them at every turn and contesting every shot.
By the end of the first half the Conqs found themselves out in front 29-26.
The second half would continue the seasaw battle back and forth, as Dodge would increase their lead coming out of the gate, but poor shooting would allow the Bulldogs to climb back into it, trailing 43-41 early in the half.
The Conqs would then shutdown any hope of a Bulldog comeback with the nifty guard play of Jazmin Villa and Strong, who would display a gorgeous no-look, around the back pass late in the game for a two-point bucket to get the crowd out of their seats.
The game would remain uncontested from McPherson, who would watch the seconds tick away in their 16-point defeat.
For McDonald, this win tonight signified a total team concept, rather than pointing out individual numbers.
"I told the kids after the game that it was a collective effort, some kids played well in the first half, some played well in the second half," McDonald said. "I got quality minutes out of the eight or nine girls and that's what it takes, it takes a team effort for us to be successful this year and to continue to work and learn."
He would also go on to describe the first win for himself and the team, stating that the work isn't over because of one win in the scorebook.
"It's good, but you know as a coach you're never satisfied," McDonald said. "I'm happy for the kids, we needed it to get the first one under our belt and now we can go back, watch film, learn from our mistakes and get ready for Garden City and prepare for those games."
As McDonald mentioned, the Conqs will be back in action during the Veteran's Day weekend, as they take on Frank Phillips College and Howard College in Garden City for the Pepsi Classic.
The win puts the Lady Conqs at 1-1 on the year and will next be home for the Lady Conq Classic Nov. 18 and 19.
It's always the first one that's the hardest to obtain.
But the Dodge City Community College women's basketball achieved it on Monday night, claiming their first victory of the season over the McPherson College Lady Bulldogs 63-47.
Not only was it the first win of the season for Dodge, it was the opening win for first-year head coach Lucas McDonald.
Leading the way for the Conqs was sophomore Sharice Papaleo, who used her prowess, size and experience to outmuscle Bulldog defenders all night, to the tune of 12 points and 20 rebounds.
Also reaching the double-digit mark for points was guard Laquaris Harris, who netted 10 points on three of eight shooting, while guard Je'nae Strong added in 12 herself on 5 of 10 shooting.
The game started off strong for Dodge, who jumped out to an early lead thanks to strong defense.
However, that lead quickly turned into a deficit as the Conqs went ice cold from the floor, allowing the Bulldogs to jump on top 22-17 midway though the first half.
That is when Papaleo and company put the clamps on the McPherson offense, stifling them at every turn and contesting every shot.
By the end of the first half the Conqs found themselves out in front 29-26.
The second half would continue the seasaw battle back and forth, as Dodge would increase their lead coming out of the gate, but poor shooting would allow the Bulldogs to climb back into it, trailing 43-41 early in the half.
The Conqs would then shutdown any hope of a Bulldog comeback with the nifty guard play of Jazmin Villa and Strong, who would display a gorgeous no-look, around the back pass late in the game for a two-point bucket to get the crowd out of their seats.
The game would remain uncontested from McPherson, who would watch the seconds tick away in their 16-point defeat.
For McDonald, this win tonight signified a total team concept, rather than pointing out individual numbers.
"I told the kids after the game that it was a collective effort, some kids played well in the first half, some played well in the second half," McDonald said. "I got quality minutes out of the eight or nine girls and that's what it takes, it takes a team effort for us to be successful this year and to continue to work and learn."
He would also go on to describe the first win for himself and the team, stating that the work isn't over because of one win in the scorebook.
"It's good, but you know as a coach you're never satisfied," McDonald said. "I'm happy for the kids, we needed it to get the first one under our belt and now we can go back, watch film, learn from our mistakes and get ready for Garden City and prepare for those games."
As McDonald mentioned, the Conqs will be back in action during the Veteran's Day weekend, as they take on Frank Phillips College and Howard College in Garden City for the Pepsi Classic.
The win puts the Lady Conqs at 1-1 on the year and will next be home for the Lady Conq Classic Nov. 18 and 19.
