TAFT, CA – There was a lot of unknown and uncertainty about the new 2023-2024 basketball season for the Taft College Lady Cougars. They haven't won a season opener game since the beginning of the 2017 season. As a matter of fact, it was the second season opener win in nearly 15 years. In just the last two seasons, home openers have been a nightmare to the basketball programs. In 2021-2022, Taft lost their first two opening games 90-33 and 129-18. That's not a typo. That is a dismal 18 points. Last season, they lost 103-42.
Last Saturday on November 4, Taft College Women's Basketball officially won their season opener against West Los Angeles College 62-57. First year Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. expressed his first Taft College win, "In a way I was not sure how it was all going to turn out, but then again, I already knew what the team could do because they have been performing well in scrimmages prior against some high quality teams. Preparation and belief were key. It always is. These ladies had a rigorous conditioning preseason, and have been practicing hard, and doing their best to be taught the game strategically."
The first half was competitive for both teams, because it was a season opener for both. So nerves and anxiety kicked into gear for all players, and coaches, involved. West LA led both first quarters 16-14. Returning after halftime, Taft took it to another level, and outscored their opponents 21-12. The fourth quarter had both teams tying at 13 apiece. Taft outrebounded West LA 51-40, totaled more in assists 14-9, and collected more steals 9-3. Taft's defense was key in the 3rd quarter, and that's exactly what Coach Lagmay has been trying to say all along. "These ladies work hard. They are starting to understand their strengths on the defensive end. Tonight, we protected our house. We protected our home. We protected Taft. We are definitely improving on defensive rotations, and thriving on causing havoc for anyone who plays us," said Coach Lagmay.
Brandy Edwards led the team with 16 points, along with 4 rebounds. Alizah Lara also doubled in points with 10, along with 5 rebounds, and a game high 4 assists. Yareli Gomez led the game with 12 rebounds, and teammate Celicia Enos was not far behind with 11 rebounds and 8 points. Mary Pahukoa contributed 9 points and 3 rebounds. Siera Bradford had a solid 5 points and 6 rebounds. Azareeyah Heaven led the game with 3 steals and chipped in with 5 points.
The Lady Cougars play home again this Friday, November 10 at 1:00 pm against Los Angeles Harbor College.