LEMOORE – Freshman Chantel Rodriguez had a huge game in her 2024-25 season debut, leading the Golden Eagles with 21 points and 7 rebounds but it wasn't enough as Lemoore College suffered a 76-51 loss to visiting Cuesta College on Saturday.
The game started close as the two squads battled in the opening quarter. Lemoore took a slim 15-14 lead into the second before Cuesta took over. The Cougars outscore Lemoore 23-8 in the period, which proved to be the difference. The 37-23 halftime deficit proved too much to overcome.
Rodriguez shot 7 for 9 overall, including 1 for 1 from three-point range, and was 6 of 7 from the free throw line on her way to 21 points.
Bethany Oliva contributed 9 points and 4 assists, Yuliza Padilla totaled 6 points and 2 steals, while Jozlynn Marshall chipped in with 6 points and 2 rebounds.
The Golden Eagles will look to earn their first win next Saturday (Nov. 9) when they host Copper Mountain College in a 3 p.m. non-conference game.
