KIRSTINA BOLTON | staff writer

PLNU sought the wrong Abby for court counsel as the Cougars dominate the paint.

The women’s basketball team defeated Point Loma Nazarane on Nov. 20 in the Felix Event Center, opening up the GSAC conference season with a 65-53 victory.

The Cougars are currently ranked No. 16 in the NAIA, making this victory a roughly strong advantage for future matches. It wasn’t an easy defeat, however, since the Sea Lions were ranked No. 9 and could match the size of the Cougar players.

Previous games proved to be an upsetting example of their potential and skill on the court but the Cougars shed their pre-game jitters and came out with an aggressive offensive and defensive line-up.

“This is the first matchup that we had the same size,” senior center Abby Johnson said, “so we knew it was going to be challenging.”

Nonetheless, the team came out strong and it proved to be their advantage.

In the first couple minutes of the game, senior guard Sarah Leathers made some shots that boosted the confidence in the other players and opened up the door for junior forward Nikita Gordon and Johnson to take advantage of their offensive teamwork.

“We work the high and low together,” Gordon said. “I’m trying to learn her and she’s trying to learn me.”

Both players battled through the Sea Lions defense—working together to come out with impressive stats all across the board. Gordon had an impressive game as she made 14 points, assisted 5 shots, and had 7 rebounds.

“Nikita had an awesome game tonight,” head coach T.J Hardeman said. “She was just on fire.”

Although Nikita might not compare to the size of the Sea Lion defense, she definitely made up for it in speed. Her plays on the court reflected the passion she has for the game, and her heart for the one she played for that night.

“I kind of did it for someone special, someone really wanted us to come out hard,” Gordon said. “I played my heart out for somebody, and she knows who she is.”

Gordon’s performance was a part of a special victory she shared with the whole team.

Because of the concerns about Point Loma’s physicality, the Cougars had to put their best foot forward. Thirty seconds into the game, Sarah Leathers lofted a 3-pointer, only to do the same a minute later, shortly after Gordon placed the ball in the net. The defense managed to hold off the Sea Lions offense, but not for very long. The first two shots made by the Sea Lions were three-pointers, and by the first time-out, the score was 8-6.

The Cougars led the score in the first half. There was only one brief moment when the Sea Lions had the lead, when the score was 21-20. After the slight fallback, the Cougars dominated the rest of the second half.

The game showed triumphant one-man shots as well as two-person plays on the court. Gordon and Johnson had five assists each and the team had 22 assists.

“We try to help our teammates,” Gordon said.

This year’s opening match for the GSAC conference was less than simple. Because of the gap between the two teams, both went in knowing they would have to step it up. PLNU is known for their physical aggressiveness and height of the players.

Johnson had a late start in the first half of her game. It was not until the second half when her game really heated up her game and made 14 shots. Her stamina on the court encouraged other players to the end.

Nonetheless, with a supporting cast of freshmen guard Michelle Byrd, freshman forward Bre Catron, and sophomore center Kristie Hala’ufia, the Cougars will have a spark provided by their young team.

“We obviously have stepped it up because of our competition,” Johnson said, “We executed better, and have a lot better communication and chemistry.”