Kicking off the 2025-26 season, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted Park University Gilbert on Monday, Nov. 3 in the America First Event Center. Southern Utah dominated from the tip, defeating Park Gilbert 103-55.
This marks the first opening day win for Southern Utah since the 2022-23 season, when they made the NCAA Tournament.
First quarter
The Thunderbirds came out firing, scoring 11 points in the first two minutes of play. Sophomore guard Sierra Chambers scored seven points and two assists in the first quarter.
With two minutes remaining, Morgan Trigueiro made an instant impact off the bench. The transfer from College of the Sequoias hit four straight threes to end the quarter and put SUU up 36-19.
Second quarter
SUU continued to attack, scoring five straight points from the free-throw line. In response, Park Gilbert found a balanced offense, seeing seven different players score. Allie Cummings led the Buccaneers with nine points.
Despite Park Gilbert scoring 35 points in the first half, SUU’s offense was in complete control. Southern Utah led at the half with 55 points and Trigueiro led all players with 13 points.
Third quarter
Coming out in the second half, SUU’s defense played well, allowing only one field goal in the third quarter. The Buccaneers went 1/11 from the field and 1/9 from the three-point line.
SUU went on a 22-4 run over nine minutes and put this game away. SUU shot 7/18 from the field and 1/5 from three. The Thunderbirds added seven points from the free-throw line.
Fourth quarter
Park Gilbert came out firing in the fourth quarter. Hemani Kalia and Alynna Palacios combined for 10 points through the first three minutes.
Despite Park Gilbert’s efforts, the T-Birds were firing on all cylinders, putting up 103 points and holding the Buccaneers to 29.9 percent from the field. This was SUU’s highest point total since 2021, and they held the lead for nearly the entire game.
Top performers
— Brooklyn Fely and Trigueiro combined for 42 points.
— Cummings led the Buccaneers with 13 points and six rebounds.
— SUU sophomore Kortney Doman notched 11 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals. She and Fely were the only players to record double-doubles.
— SUU shot 51.5% from the field and 50% from three. They scored 31 points off turnovers compared to Park Gilbert’s four.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host Washington State University on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. in the America First Event Center.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis