RACHEL GRESHAM | staff writer
Now that the season has ended on a 76-55 win over Westmont on Monday, March 2, the women’s basketball team turns their attention toward the postseason tournaments.
The Cougars finished the season with an overall record of 21-9, and Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) record of 12-8.
“In this league, you never know. Anybody is capable of winning or losing on any night, so we were pleased to see a good focus from the start. We established the level we wanted to play at,” head coach T.J. Hardeman said.
The team controlled the game against San Diego Christian on Thursday, Feb. 26 from shooting percentages and rebounds to turnovers and assists.
The team had a total of 44 rebounds, 10 of those going to freshman Amber Williams, who also received her highest total game while playing 26 minutes.
Sophomore guard Jessica Raber scored an unusual 4-point play when she was fouled during a 3-pointer.
“You can’t underestimate anyone in the GSAC. We had to be aggressive tonight, we had to do what we knew how to do. Everybody worked hard from the first person off the bench to the last person,” junior center Kristie Hala’ufia said.
Hala’ufia earned 15 points and 8 rebounds, and sophomore guard C.J Hill added 14 points, 4 assists and 3 steals for the Cougars.
“It’s uplifting when you see the second string people come in and really have an effect on the game. We are privileged to play a lot as starters, but when the people who support you throughout the season come off the bench, it’s special. That was really one of the best parts of the game,” sophomore forward Alex Moore-Porter said.
Even with a big lead, the Cougars were able to stay focused and work on their plays.
“I was really pleased that we were able to stay focused, work on what we wanted to do defensively and execute offensively. From here on out, all the teams we play are going to be really strong, but we’re more than capable of beating anyone we play,” Hardeman said.
The season kicked off well with the trip to Jackson, Tenn. to participate in the Rotary Classic.
The Cougars won 2 of 3 games there with the only loss coming from the top-ranked team.
The rest of the season came with some wins and losses, but according to Hala’ufia the team took them as growing and learning experiences.
“Our coach has high beliefs that we can go all the way. Our main goal is to go far in the championships by taking it one game at a time and working together with the team. I’m not that nervous because I know we have a talented team all around,” Hala’ufia said.
Hill hopes that the team wins nationals. They have been working on defense and they hope to master that by the time they get to nationals. Once they get the hang of that they will be really effective.
“We have our destiny in our hands, but it’s going to come down to how well we play. It’s important to get on a roll. This time of the year, the teams that do well are the teams that are hot, the teams that are feeling good about themselves,” Hardeman said.
As a team, the Cougars have good overall speed and are also big. Hardeman thinks they are very strong in all areas, which makes them very dangerous.
If a team at nationals takes away one weapon they’ll go to the next weapon.
“I’m really excited. I’ve been waiting all season for [the championships]. I just want to come and fulfill my role at a higher level, because the games are more intense and mean more for post season. I make sure I always come ready to work,” Moore-Porter said.
Women’s basketball has yet to win an NAIA championship, but has appeared in the tournament the past four years, a program first. This year they hope to at least advance to the second round.
The GSAC tournament begins today, Wednesday March 4.
In today’s first round GSAC match, the Cougars will face rival Biola, an opponent that Cougars defeated 68-66 last month.
Regardless of the results of the GSAC tournament, the Cougars will play at the NAIA Women’s basketball championships in Jackson, Tenn. from March 18 to March 24.
