Joliet Junior College women's basketball opened there 2025–26 season with a gritty performance, pulling out a hard-fought 87-83 victory over McHenry County College on Saturday.
It was a competitive game throughout, with both teams trading leads before JJC began to pull away late. The Wolves capitalized on foul trouble by the Scots, getting into the bonus early in the fourth and forcing two of the Scots' key players to foul out.
Demi Page hit a clutch three-pointer late in the game to give JJC the lead, while Destynia McGruder turned in a dominant all-around performance, posting 28 points and 16 rebounds, to lead the Wolves on both ends of the floor.
Head coach Shaun Sanderson credited his team's discipline and execution down the stretch.
"What our girls did in the first half getting them in foul trouble really helped us," Sanderson said. "We got their key players in foul trouble and got into the bonus early in the fourth quarter."
Sanderson also praised McGruder's impact.
"She's great. We want her to be more of an offensive threat and we know how dangerous she is defensively," he said. "Without her, we don't win this game."
McGruder reflected on her growth and confidence since joining the program.
"I'm just building my confidence since I transferred here," she said. "I think coach Shaun and my teammates have really given me confidence, and when they give you that, it's easy to go out there and execute."
With the win, JJC moves to 1–0 on the season and will look to carry their momentum into their next matchup when the Wolves host Kishwaukee College on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
