The Park University Gilbert women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in impressive fashion Thursday evening, rolling past Navajo Tech 129-44 at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz. The Buccaneers set multiple program records in the victory, including most points in a game (129), most field goals made (47), most field goal attempts (115), most offensive rebounds (40), and most total rebounds (75). The win also extended Park Gilbert's record in season openers to 7-1, with the only opening-game loss coming in the first game in program history against Benedictine Mesa in 2019.
The Bucs wasted little time taking control of the game, opening with a dominant 36-point first quarter while holding the Skyhawks to just six points. Park then took its offensive performance to another level in the second quarter, pouring in 41 points to establish a new program record for most points in a single quarter, surpassing the previous mark of 36. The Buccaneers continued to apply pressure defensively, create turnovers and convert those opportunities into points on the other end. The 77 points in the first half established a new program record, surpassing the previous mark of 69 points against Navajo Tech. The offensive outburst gave Park a commanding 77-18 halftime advantage, with the Buccaneers generating scoring opportunities throughout the lineup.
Park Gilbert continued to extend its advantage in the second half. Although the Bucs' shooting cooled off in the third quarter, they still outscored the Skyhawks 21-15. The Buccaneers responded with another strong offensive showing in the final frame, putting up 31 points while holding Navajo Tech to 11 to secure the 85-point victory.
The 129-point performance broke the previous program record of 122 points, set against Nelson on October 24, 2024. Park also established new records for field goals made with 47, surpassing the previous mark of 45, and field goal attempts with 115, breaking the previous record of 109 against Navajo Tech on December 4, 2025.
Offensively, the Bucs received contributions from across the roster.
Allie Cummings led Park with 17 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Cassie Coolidge finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while
Addison Pilarski added 13 points and six rebounds.
Sanaa Dennis also reached double figures with 12 points and 10 rebounds to record a double-double.
Dennis' performance was particularly noteworthy as she recorded the second double-double in program history by a player in her collegiate debut. Jasmyne Jenkins recorded the first, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds in her debut on November 2, 2022, against Nelson.
The Buccaneers' depth was another major factor in the win. Park received 76 points from its bench, while 13 different players scored in the contest. The team also finished with 31 assists, highlighting its ability to share the ball and create scoring opportunities throughout the lineup.
Defensively, Park forced 47 Navajo Tech turnovers and turned those mistakes into 67 points. The Bucs collected 29 steals and outrebounded the Skyhawks 75-37. Park grabbed 40 offensive rebounds, breaking the previous program record of 39, and finished with 75 total rebounds to establish another new mark, surpassing the previous record of 66 set against Life Pacific on January 17, 2026. The Buccaneers also scored 50 second-chance points, repeatedly extending possessions and creating additional scoring opportunities.
Park finished the game shooting 40.9 percent from the floor (47-115), including 28.3 percent from three-point range (13-46), and converted 75.9 percent of its free throws (22-29). Navajo Tech shot 26.9 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from beyond the arc. The Buccaneers' ability to dominate the glass, force turnovers and generate offense from throughout the lineup helped produce one of the most historic performances in program history.
The Bucs return to Arizona Athletic Grounds on Friday, October 23, as they face Navajo Tech again. Tipoff is scheduled for noon in Mesa, Ariz.
