Lady Commodores go 3-0 in Americus, Ozzy-Momodu Stars

Gulf Coast’s women’s team traveled to Americus, Georgia over Christmas break to play in a three game tournament. Their first game was against the host of the tournament, the South Georgia Tech Jets. It was a rocky start for the Commodores, as Raiane Dias Dos Santos was deemed ineligible to start because of improper equipment, forcing a surprise start from Santi Davy. A miscommunication on the opening tip by the Commodores allowed a wide open layup for the Jets. The miscues continued for Gulf Coast as their first two possessions ended in turnovers. Despite the tumultuous start, the Commodores settled down and went on a 14-5 run while securing the lead. The Commodores went into halftime up double digits and never looked back. Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu finished the game with an impressive 22 points and 23 rebounds as Gulf Coast won 66-49. The game also marked Taryn Johnson’s season debut as she had been sidelined with an injury. Johnson stated, “It feels good to be back out on the court, to be back on the court and playing with the team is super exciting.”

The second game of the tournament saw the Commodores face the Snow College Badgers. Raiane Dias Dos Santos had a hot start, scoring all of Gulf Coast’s first 9 points. The Commodores kept their momentum from the previous game, making 13 threes as a team in route to a dominating 94-65 win. Ozzy-Momodu kept up her superstar level play despite early foul trouble, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds. “Fouls don’t change my mindset. I’m always going to be in a zone and stay aggressive,” Ozzy-Momodu stated.

The final game of the tournament for the Commodores came against the Shelton State Buccaneers. Unlike the first two games of the tournament, this game stayed close. While Gulf Coast never relinquished the lead, the Buccaneers stayed within single digits the entire first half. Alieghya Bartholomew led the way for the Commodores, with 10 points in the first half, as the teams went to the locker rooms with Gulf Coast leading 38-31. Out of the break, the Commodores caught fire, going on a 17-5 run, and leading by the highest margin of 19. Shelton State was able to cut the lead down to 6 in the fourth quarter, but Gulf Coast stayed strong, winning 86-79. The two stars of the game were Ozzy-Momodu (25 points and 23 rebounds) and Bartholomew (24 points, 6 assists, and 5 threes). Bartholomew stated, “We emphasized defense and communication at half time and it helped us pull away. I’ll give credit to my teammates for that communication on the defensive side.”

The Commodores improved to 15-1 on the season and begin conference play against Pensacola State on January 13^th.