Off to a good start

~Lady Bulldogs win their season-opener in convincing fashion

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a good start on the 2007-2008 season on Monday night, as they defeated Saxony Lady Crusaders 50-17 at the Sikeston Field House.

"It feels good to get the first one," Sikeston head coach Homer Jackson said. "One of our keys tonight, was to demonstrate to the people coming in, who paid to watch us play, the things that we've been working so hard at doing."

"(We wanted) to show them our hard work," he added. "Tonight that paid off."

Sikeston was led in scoring by sophomore Monika Gray-El, who put up 20 points on the night, with nine field goals and two free throws, going 2-for-5 at the line.

Sikeston's Amber Minner puts up a shot in the fourth quarter while being guarded by Saxony's Emma Meraz

Sikeston's Amber Minner puts up a shot in the fourth quarter while being guarded by Saxony's Emma Meraz

"They couldn't find an answer for Monika Gray-El tonight," Jackson said.

Senior Amber Minner added 15 points on seven field goals, while going 1-for-2 at the free throw line.

"Amber Minner did an excellent job," Jackson said. "My two seniors La Shawna Turner and Amber Minner took the lead."

"Amber's the floor captain," he added. "She did a good leadership job tonight."

Sikeston (1-0) was 6-for-14 at the free throw line, and had 10 team fouls in the win.

Saxony was lead by Kara Versemann, who had the lone three-pointer in the game. She had six points in the loss.

"Saxony hasn't played as many games (overall)," Jackson said. "They're relatively new to this arena."

The Lady Crusaders (0-1) were 3-for-6 at the line, and also had 10 team fouls.

The Lady Bulldogs will take on Doniphan, Nov. 26, at the Sikeston Field House.