The Pratt Community College women's basketball team hit the road for the first time in the 2018-19 season to take on two non-conference opponents in the Dodge City Classic hosted by Dodge City Community College. The Beavers went into the tournament undefeated holding a record of 4-0. They continued that streak after taking down Lamar Community College 84-56. During the second day of competition the Beavers were challenged by Redlands Community College where victory escaped them for the first time (67-58).
PCC started the classic with back-and-forth action against Lamar. The Beavers and Runnin' Lopes looked to have an even matchup at the end of the first quarter. Pratt held a small 18-16 lead to begin the contest. At the end of the second quarter things turned in favor of the Beaver Nation after a dominant 27-5 run. PCC went into the locker room at the half with a staggering 24-point lead that helped seal the deal in the end.
The third period was another battle between both sides. Quarter number three was the only 10-minute stretch where Lamar outscored Pratt (19-16). The Beavers' healthy halftime lead kept the Lopes at bay. After outscoring the opposition in the fourth quarter, Pratt improved their overall record to 5-0.
Freshman Rylee Alexander led the game in several categories including total points (21) and rebounds (9). Many Beavers came close to hitting the double-double mark including Alexander who was a single board away, and forwards Janell Douvier (15 points, 7 rebounds) and Tytiana Haamid (11 points, 8 rebounds).
A large part of Pratt's victory was the ability to rebound the basketball. PCC outhustled Lamar on the glass for a 55-36 rebound advantage. The blue and white collected 25 offensive rebounds on their way to a win against the Lopes.
The second day of the classic Pratt matched up with an undefeated Redlands squad that had already defeated three Jayhawk Conference schools. Each side took their turns putting points on the board to try and gain the edge.
At the end of the first quarter Pratt was the team to beat as they outscored the Cougars 23-14. Redlands bounced back in the second and cleaned things up with a 19-9 run. The Beavers trailed by a single point at the half, but they showed determination to be the first team to knock Redlands down a peg by coming up with a lead of their own heading into the fourth quarter. A strong show of scoring in the final period helped Redlands to put the game away.
In lieu of a win, many individuals from Pratt produced solid performances in several categories such as Haamid's 14-point, 12-rebound performance against the Cougars. Haamid's work ethic while crashing the boards caused her to average a double-double for the entire classic. Alexander and fellow forward Courtney Cleveland gave their side 11 points each as well.
PCC women's basketball will compete again when they battle with Kansas Wesleyan University Junior Varsity at home in the Lesh Sports Arena on Nov. 19. Fans of the Beaver Nation can tune in to the event starting at 6 p.m.