TAFT, CA – After 7 lead changes and the score tied 5 times, Taft College Women's Basketball was standing alone as the victor defeating a very talented Los Angeles Pierce College 70-68.
The Lady Cougars are now 3-0 on the season, but each game is becoming much more challenging. It seems as if the tougher the opponent gets, the hungrier the Cougars are prepped for their opponent. LA Pierce led in almost every statistical category, but Taft did what Cougars do. They kept their poise and attacked in all the right moments. TC Head Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. explains, "They (LA Pierce) nearly had 20 players deep on their roster with about 4 people over 6'0". I've been telling the team from the beginning you can't beat what you can't catch. Our ladies had great composure and we all strategized our hunt to prey. The players listened, executed, and attacked in all the key moments. There is no fear in this team, and that's a great mindset to have in competition against anyone."
The battle was back and forth as the Brahmas led the first quarter 21-16, but Taft would win the second 19-11. Pierce came out in the second half strong outscoring Taft 24-16, but the black and gold attack began with calmness and claimed the fourth quarter 19-12 making most of their free throws with an overall better percentage than Pierce, shooting 75% to their opponent's 65%.
There were 4 players for the Brahmas in double figures with two of them having double doubles in scoring and rebounds. However, the Cougars had solid contributions from not only their starters, but their bench as well. Celicia Enos led the game and outperformed her last game with a new career high of 23 points, along with 6 rebounds. Jasmeen Lemons made a huge impact off the bench with 11 points and a game high 4 steals. Mary Pahukoa also had 4 steals, along with 3 points and a team high of 3 assists. The backcourt duo guards Alizah Lara and Azareeyah Heaven each scored 8 points apiece and both shot a perfect 100% 4-4 from the foul line.
Taft College will venture on to play on Monday, November 13 on the road against Las Positas College in Livermore at 3:00 pm.