Freshman Jaylyn Sherrod leads CU women's basketball to victory in exhibition

Jaylyn Sherrod charges through Regis University defense at Coors Event Center. Nov. 4, 2019. (Vyla Carter/ CU Independent).

The University of Colorado women�s basketball team defeated the Regis University Rangers 92-45 in an exhibition game Monday night at the CU Events Center.

Sophomore forward Sirena “Peanut” Tuitele opened the scoring for the Buffs following a three-minute drought to begin the game. Colorado took advantage of the size difference inside, finding 6-foot-4 junior forward Mya Hollingshed for an easy layup for the Buffs� second basket.

Despite a low shooting percentage early on, the Rangers were persistent on the glass, grabbing offensive rebounds and capitalizing on the inside with second-chance points. Freshman guard Jaylyn Sherrod provided a spark for the Buffs, assisting on a fast break layup on three consecutive possessions. Colorado jumped out to a 14-6 lead.

Head coach JR Payne talked about Sherrod�s performance postgame. Payne said even though it�s just an exhibition, it matters to Sherrod.

�I count that,� Payne said. �18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one turnover, a couple blocks. It�s a great stat line and Jaylyn�s a great player. She�s going to be a great Buff for years to come.�

Regis continued to struggle on the offensive end, finishing the first quarter shooting 17% from the field. Sherrod led the Buffs with eight points and four rebounds after the first 10 minutes. The Buffs led 20-6.

Emma Clarke throws the ball to her teammate, Lesila Finau, during a game against Regis University in the Coors Event Center. Nov. 4, 2019. (Vyla Carter/ CU Independent).

Sherrod�s playmaking continued in the second quarter, finding freshman guard Zuzanna Kulinska for an and-one to extend the Colorado lead to 16. After struggling early on, sophomore guard Emma Clarke knocked down a three to add onto the already commanding lead.

Sherrod found senior guard Quinessa Caylao-Do for an and-one late in the second quarter to push the Colorado lead to 30. Sherrod pulled up for a jumper with a few seconds left in the half to give the Buffs a 47-12 lead at halftime.

Redshirt sophomore guard Aubrey Knight knocked down a jumper at the top of the key to open the third quarter scoring for the Buffaloes and a Clarke transition layup capped a 7-0 run for CU. Unselfish play on the offensive end kept the Buffs efficient from the field, shooting 59% through three quarters.

Sherrod admitted that she was nervous to begin the game, but after the first few plays she settled in.

�I told Aubrey (Knight) that I was so jittery,” Sherrod said. “But it was just good to get out there and play being that I haven�t played in a minute, even going back to high school. It was just a good opportunity and a good chance to get back out there.�

Despite holding a 39-point lead early in the fourth quarter, Colorado�s activity level remained high on both ends, grabbing multiple offensive rebounds and attacking the rim. Freshman guard Raanee Smith set up Knight for an and-one opportunity after coming up with a steal.

Payne appreciated the Buffs� persistence and high energy, which translated into rebounds on both ends.

�I�m just thrilled with our effort tonight,� Payne said. �I thought we played extremely hard. We want to be the toughest, hardest-working, most disciplined team and I thought in a lot of ways we were that team tonight. (I) love our rebounding effort, to outrebound somebody by 25, especially Regis, who�s a very good rebounding team, was great.”

Later in the fourth quarter, Sherrod pushed the ball in transition and found junior forward Annika Jank for a corner three. In an impressive CU debut, Sherrod attacked the Regis press late and put back her own miss to give the Buffs a 50-point lead. Colorado defeated Regis 92-45.

�If I don�t do my job, I let my team down,� Sherrod said. �My job is energy so bringing that to the team every night is what I pride myself on.�

The Buffs open the regular season Sunday, Nov. 10 against the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Boulder. Tip-off is set for noon MST.