While the ACU student body was home for the holidays, the women’s basketball team was hard at work. They won five games over the break, but none compared to the 58-57 victory over Texas Tech University in Lubbock. It was the ‘Cats fifth game in six days. Despite their empty tanks and exhaustion, their adrenaline and passion prevailed.

Aside from the historical significance it had for the program, it also had special importance to head coach Julie Goodenough.

“That was my ninth time to play against Texas Tech as a head coach and my first time to beat them. It really made it sweet to win at Texas Tech,” Goodenough said.

The game was also monumental for Lubbock natives and twins Suzzy and Lizzy Dimba.

The twins had more than a few friends come out to cheer them on and they lived up to the hype. Suzzy had 16 points and 3 steals, while Lizzy had 9 points and 2 steals. The Wildcats were led in scoring by Renata Marquez with 17 points.

“For me, it was awesome going to Lubbock where I’ve lived my entire life and beating a team that I’ve grown up watching,” Suzzy said.

Goodenough was thoroughly impressed by how the Dimba twins performed and the production they provided in the box score.

“They both performed so well in that game,” Goodenough said. “They had huge baskets and huge rebounds for us.”

ACU has now entered the Southland Conference portion of their schedule. They are off to a 2-0 start, but their second win came at the hand of a forfeit. Southeastern Louisiana University made a scheduling error and was forced to give the win to the ‘Cats. While missing a game is never fun, the team is choosing to look on the bright side of things.

“Starting off [Conference play] 2-0 is a huge accomplishment regardless of how the wins came about,” Suzzy said.

ACU will be facing conference opponents from here on out. Despite the fact that the competition will be harder and it is Goodenough’s teams’ first year in the Southland, she does not feel there is any added pressure on her girls.

“No one has put any pressure on us,” Goodenough said. “We want to be a program that has godly women seeking excellence. If we are seeking excellence, then we want to win as many conference games as we can, regardless of post-season.”

The Wildcats will continue their Southland schedule on Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Moody Coliseum against Oral Roberts University.