The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Women's Basketball team built a 22 point lead and held on to defeat Itasca 60-44 on Friday evening.

The two teams played even throughout the first quarter with a late three from Amanda Lindsay giving Anoka-Ramsey a 13-12 lead at the end of the period.

Anoka-Ramsey used an 11-0 run to open the second quarter to extend the lead to 24-12 five minutes into the second.

Kaylee Porisch made one of two free throws for a 30-16 lead before a late three from Itasca put the score at 30-19 at halftime.

Meagan Mckernon scored six of Anoka-Ramsey's first eight points in the third quarter as the Golden Rams opened a 38-19 lead.

An Abbey Romick layup gave Anoka-Ramsey their biggest lead, 45-23, with five minutes left in the third quarter before Itasca cut the deficity to 47-36 heading into the fourth.

Itasca scored first to open the fourth quarter pulling within 47-38 but Abbey Romick and Porisch combined for seven points to give Anoka-Ramsey a 54-38 cushion and go on for the win.

Anoka-Ramsey was 13 of 17 from the free throw line and forced 19 turnovers.

The Golden Rams held a 43-36 edge in rebounds including 17 on the offensive end.

Mckernon scored 20 points hitting 8 of 15 field goals.

Porisch scored 13 points to go with 12 rebounds.

Romick finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The Golden Rams improve to 1-4 overall.