TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Trinidad State Trojans dominated from the jump in its 2024 home-opener in a commanding 74-44 win over Fort Hays Tech Northwest on Friday evening inside Scott Gym.

The Trojans put the pressure on the Mavericks early in the game by forcing two turnover and a missed shot to jump out to an early 6-2 lead. TSC forced seven more turnovers throughout the first quarter to take a 25-15 lead. Rachel Stewart (Fr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) scored 7 of her 15 points in the first quarter after going a perfect 3-3 from the field which included a three ball.

The Trojans took advantage of the Mavericks 3 of 17 shooting in the second quarter and outscore FHTN 16-7 and take a 41-22 lead at the break.

Trinidad State kept the pressure and solid defense up to start the second half and forced another 10 turnovers by the Mavericks to take a 56-31 lead. The Trojans knocked down threes from Hailey Apachito (So., Magdalena, N.M.) and Candela Roy (Fr., La Muela, Spain).

The Trojans outscored the Mavericks 18-13 in the fourth and earn its first victory of the 2024 season.

The win also marks the first win for the Trojans under the helm of second-year head coach Jenny Hugins as TSC is now 1-5 on the season.

Trinidad State held FHTN to 21.1% shooting after shooting 12 of 57 from the field and 3 of 19 from three. The Trojans shot 41.7% after going 30-72 from the field and 7 of 25 from deep.

On the glass, the Trojans out-rebounded the Mavericks 47 to 44 which included 19 offensive rebounds.

Lani Albert-Neha (Fr., Hamilton, New Zealand) led the way for the Trojans with 18 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals while Stewart added 15 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals.

Apachito also finished in double figures for the Trojans with 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.

The Trojans take on Frank Phillips tomorrow afternoon in the final day of the TSC Classis. Tip-off is slated for 3 pm. Otero will take on FHTN at 1 pm tomorrow inside Scott Gym.

-TROJAN PROUD-