Cochise Falls to Snow College in Season Opener

THATCHER, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball opened the 2025-2026 season on Wednesday afternoon but came up short against Snow College, falling 68–42 at Guitteau Gymnasium.

Despite a tough shooting day, the Apaches stayed active on the glass and battled throughout. Sophomore forward Lesline Penge powered Cochise with a dominant double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 23 rebounds, including 13 on the offensive end. Freshman Malika Goutay added 8 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while Mary Ojo and Noa Mikami chipped in 6 points each. Cochise struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 25% from the field and 4% from three. However, the Apaches won the rebounding battle 48–37 and generated 20 second-chance points, showing strong effort on the interior.

Snow College took control early, leading 17–8 after the first quarter and steadily extending the margin. The Badgers used a balanced scoring attack, highlighted by Seini Tuipulotu's 15 points, Sydnee Smith's 11, and June Olsen's 11, while their bench produced 26 points compared to Cochise's 2.

Cochise made a strong push in the third quarter behind Penge's inside scoring, cutting the deficit to single digits before Snow responded with a late run and outscored the Apaches 23–11 in the final period.

Next Up

Cochise returns to action today in Thatcher for Game 2 of the road trip, facing Western Wyoming College at 2:00 PM.