The Park University Gilbert women's basketball team continued its strong start to the 2026-27 season Friday afternoon, defeating Navajo Tech 117-37 at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz. The Buccaneers improved to 2-0 on the season and completed a sweep of their two-game series against the Skyhawks, following Thursday's 129-44 victory.
The Bucs wasted little time taking control of the contest, jumping out to a 35-10 lead after the first quarter. Park Gilbert used its defensive pressure to create turnovers and generate easy scoring opportunities, forcing Navajo Tech into difficult possessions while finding success at the other end of the floor.
The Buccaneers continued to build their advantage in the second quarter, outscoring the Skyhawks 33-14 to take a commanding 68-24 lead into halftime. Park's balanced offensive attack and ability to create opportunities for teammates helped the Bucs maintain control throughout the first half.
The third quarter proved to be the most dominant stretch for Park on the defensive end. The Buccaneers held Navajo Tech to just three points while adding 28 of their own to extend the lead to 96-27 entering the final frame. Park continued to apply pressure in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Skyhawks 21-10 to close out the 80-point victory.
Offensively, the Buccaneers received contributions from throughout the lineup.
Ellie Robertson led Park with 12 points, adding three rebounds and four steals.
Jelissa Julmist,
Allie Cummings and
Angelina Montoya each finished with 11 points. Julmist also grabbed eight rebounds, while Montoya knocked down three three-pointers and finished with four assists. Cummings connected on three shots from beyond the arc.
Addison Pilarski added 10 points and eight rebounds, while
Rylee Hoar contributed nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Hannah Mask and
Madeline Jenkins each scored eight points, and
Sanaa Dennis added eight points in just seven minutes of action.
Aubrey Begaye chipped in seven points and six rebounds.
The Buccaneers' depth was once again a major factor in the victory. Park received 74 points from its bench, while the team recorded 35 assists on 46 made field goals. The unselfish offensive performance allowed the Bucs to consistently find open teammates and generate scoring opportunities across the roster.
Defensively, Park forced 32 Navajo Tech turnovers and turned those mistakes into 45 points. The Bucs collected 17 steals and dominated the glass, outrebounding the Skyhawks 72-37. Park also scored 40 second-chance points, taking advantage of its work on the offensive boards to extend possessions and create additional scoring opportunities.
Park finished the game shooting 43.4 percent from the floor (46-106), including 32 percent from three-point range (16-50), and converted 69.2 percent of its free throws (9-13). Navajo Tech shot just 26.8 percent from the field and 10 percent from beyond the arc. The Buccaneers' defensive intensity and balanced scoring helped them secure their second consecutive convincing win to open the season.
The Bucs hit the road for their first away contest of the season as they travel to Phoenix, Ariz., to take on Nelson University on Tuesday, October 27. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
