Gigantes of Carolina Secure Victory and Honor Player with Jersey Retirement

The Gigantes of Carolina celebrated their home opener by retiring former player Rodsan Rodríguez’s number 44 jersey and defeating the Leonas of Ponce, 66-60, in a Women’s Superior National Basketball league game. Key plays by Joyner Holmes secured the win for the Gigantes. After the teams took turns dominating the first two quarters and stood even at 32 at halftime, the faster-paced second half was filled with back-and-forth scoring and lead changes.

The Gigantes led 53-52 after three periods, and the back-and-forth battle continued, with Carolina holding on to its slim lead. Ariel Colón scored five unanswered points to put the Leonas up 60-57, forcing coach Jorgito Rincón to call a timeout. Alexis Whitfield and Talia Von Oelhoffen came out of the timeout with key plays, putting Carolina back in front, 62-60, with 4:40 left to play.

Joyner Holmes stepped up with key plays on both offense and defense, ultimately securing a 66-60 victory for Carolina. Holmes led the Gigantes (1-1) with 22 points and nine rebounds, Grace Berger had 13 points and nine assists, and Whitfield recorded 12 points and 13 rebounds. Von Oelhoffen led the Leones (1-2) with 16 points, Colón finished with 15 points, and Brittany Brewer had 12 points and nine rebounds.