The last time the 19th-ranked Angelina College Lady Roadrunners got a taste of defeat was back on Nov. 4, when the team was still trying on the season’s new roster.
Since then, the Lady ‘Runners have been unstoppable, reeling off 11 straight wins – including two this past week to celebrate the new year.
On Saturday, AC’s ladies will attempt to stretch the streak while trying to remain undefeated at home thus far this season. Next up is the San Jacinto Lady Gators, a group proving a thorn in head coach Byron Coleman’s side for the past two years. San Jac knocked the Lady Roadrunners out of the conference tournament in 2015 and in 2016 and have held the edge in head-to-head matchups over the past two regular seasons.
That was then.
Now, the Lady Roadrunners boast an all-around roster with a potential Player of the Year as its centerpiece. Natasha Mack’s dominance in the post has created room and opportunities for her teammates. For example, in this past week’s win over Hill College, Mack poured in 27 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, while teammates Priscilla Murray, Rexeisha Hollis and Charisma Shepherd scored nine points each.
The day before, Mack finished with 21 points and 13 boards, and Angel Darcus, Mia Williams and Ayesha Davis scored nine each. In that game, the Lady Roadrunners connected for five three pointers as Temple tried packing the paint to stop Mack.
And as proof the Lady Roadrunners aren’t just about a single player, the team averages 17.6 assists per game. Mia Williams leads the team with 4.3 dishes per contest.
San Jac (11-5, 2-3) will counter with Eryka Sidney (16.2 points per game) and Alexis Bryant (15.1 ppg). The Lady Gators will also fire up plenty of long-range shots: The team has combined to hit 99 three pointers at a 30.2 percent rate from behind the line.
Saturday’s game at Shands Gymnasium tips off at 2 p.m. Viewers can catch the live stream action at angelinaathletics.com.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.