A trio of newcomers enjoyed impressive debuts for a shorthanded College of the Redwoods women’s basketball team in a loss at powerhouse Santa Rosa on Friday.

Playing without some of their players who are still competing in volleyball and soccer, the Corsairs fell 89-40.

Ellie Pesch, however, was among the standout performances for the CR women and finished with 15 points in her college debut, including nailing 4 of 6 of her 3-point shots.

“Overall the team played hard and kept battling for 40 minutes,” head coach Jain Tuey said. “Our lack of numbers showed and we got fatigued early but we kept making rotations to get players as much rest as we could.

“SRJC played tough defense and we struggled executing our offense early, but we were able to settle in and get some good looks later in the game.”

Pesch, according to the coach, shot the ball really well.

Two other newcomers also impressed while featuring heavily.

McKinleyville’s Kim Lewis and Ferndale’s Kyla Albee “played strong, composed and barely cane out of the game,” Tuey said.

Lily Shelton also had a good game and played strong in the post.

The tough early-season game should benefit the CR women moving forward.

“It was great facing a team who made the final four last year, and the girls are motivated to keep working hard and improve our game,” Tuey said.