GILLETTE, Wyo. — February 21, 2026 —
Despite a tough offensive afternoon, the Laramie County Community College women's basketball team showcased resilience, individual standout performances, and strong stretches of defensive execution in a 73–41 road contest against Gillette College.
Sophomore guard Sabela Carro delivered the brightest spark for the Golden Eagles, knocking down four three-pointers and finishing with a team‑high 16 points. Her early shot‑making kept LCCC within striking distance through much of the first half, giving the Eagles essential momentum against a strong Gillette defense.
Carro also added seven rebounds, demonstrating her ability to impact the game well beyond scoring. Another key contributor was Helena Salazar Meinesz, who provided efficient scoring and poise in limited opportunities. She recorded 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting, attacking the rim and helping LCCC stabilize possessions when the team needed a lift. Her presence gave the Eagles meaningful frontcourt offense that helped them stay competitive during a difficult third quarter.
Rebounding was a point of pride for LCCC, with Glorielle Mukeba and Carro combining for 14 total rebounds, each pulling down seven. Mukeba also added a pair of blocks and continued to serve as a key defensive anchor inside.
The Golden Eagles battled hard against a larger Gillette lineup and limited second-chance opportunities during several strong defensive stretches.
Point guard Alicia Trujillo showed composure under heavy pressure from Gillette's backcourt, finishing with 4 assists while committing only one foul in 31 minutes. Her ball distribution set up several of LCCC's best looks, and her court vision remained sharp despite the aggressive defensive schemes she faced.
On the defensive end, the Golden Eagles forced 12 turnovers, including active hands from multiple players that disrupted passing lanes and slowed Gillette's momentum in the first and fourth quarters. Although Gillette shot efficiently overall, LCCC's defensive rotations showed continued growth—an encouraging sign as the team progresses through Region IX play.
While the final score favored Gillette, LCCC showed competitive energy throughout the contest. The Golden Eagles opened the game within two points after the first quarter, trailing just 15–13, and continued to battle despite shooting challenges in the middle frames.
Head coach Danielle Rinaldo and her staff have emphasized consistency, composure, and player development—areas where the team showed clear improvement despite the outcome.