Georgia Tech defeats Central Michigan in season opener
With nearly all of its Sweet 16 lineup intact, Georgia Tech overwhelmed Central Michigan 74-40 in the season opener for both teams Tuesday night in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
The Yellow Jackets outshot the Chippewas (48.5% to 25.5%) and induced 15 turnovers while giving it away only five times. Tech took control early and never led by fewer than 10 points after halftime.
Forward Digna Strautmane, a transfer from Syracuse, dropped a game-high 19 points in her Tech debut, making eight of 10 shots off the bench, including 2-for-4 from 3-point range. Center Nerea Hermosa scored 18 on 9-for-10 shooting. Guard Lotta-Maj Lahtinen was credited with eight assists with no turnovers as Tech (1-0) compiled a 21/5 assist/turnover ratio. Strautmane and forward Lorela Cubaj both secured a game-high nine rebounds.
Central Michigan (0-1) was picked to finish sixth in the 12-team MAC after finishing second last season.
Coach Nell Fortner won her 200th game at the college level as a head coach, including wins at Auburn, Purdue and Tech. The Jackets will open their home schedule Thursday against Kennesaw State.
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About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
