TAFT, CA – Cougars Women's Basketball has split within the week in conference action. They defeated Lemoore College on January 29, 71-43 and lost to College of the Sequoias 52-108. The Cougars are currently in 4th place in the Central Valley Conference with a 3-4 record and 14-9 overall.
Taft College Basketball has been playing with limited players due to various reasons and finally dressed out a full roster of ten in their last competition. Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. explains, "With legitimate excuses, I'd say a few of our losses have been due to a lack of players; key players at that. But that's the way it goes. That's why they call it a season because the climate can change from a gentle breeze to a blizzard. We did win some games, but I'm more confident now that we are fully loaded, we should be able to perform at a higher level. But once again, I can't knock the efforts and performance of other players that stepped up to the plate and delivered some key victories for us while we were shorthanded."
During the Lemoore College game, Taft outrebounded the Golden Eagles 45-27, while shooting 39% from the three-point line and holding Lemoore to 0%. Taft also scored 10 second chance points, while Lemoore scored 0. Madyn Kassatly led the game with 18 points, along with 5 rebounds. Alyah Blackwater scored 17, grabbed 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and a game high 4 steals. Ella Waufle pumped in 12 points with 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and a game high 6 assists. Mary Pahukoa chipped in 4 points, but had 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Amaya Payne had 4 points, but a game high of 12 rebounds.
As for playing the #1 only undefeated team in the state in College of the Sequoias, Taft really didn't have a chance being outscored in the first half 60-19. The Giants edged the Cougars in every statistical category. Madyn Kassatly scored a team high 20 points, and one shy a double double with 9 rebounds. Kassatly also had a team high of 4 assists. Alyah Blackwater was the only other double figure scorer with 11 points, along with 3 assists.
Taft will be on the road on Wednesday, February 4 at Fresno City College and will return home to play Porterville College on Saturday, February 8 at 3:00 pm.