Earnest Chambers
Asst. Sports Editor
The University of La Verne women’s basketball team finished fourth in a tournament held in Costa Mesa last weekend.
This year’s team is talented, with a lot of depth. Freshman guard Patty Davis, from Chino High School, made second team all-tournament squad.
The lady sharp-shooters played with some pretty big teams. Whittier, which will probably be ULV’s toughest opponent this year, finished third behind Loyola Marymount and Cal Baptist. Cal Baptist emerged as the tournament winner.
“We played well as a team and the girls looked really good,” said Head Coach Nancy Blickenstaff. “There are a lot of new faces on the team this year. I’m sure with a lot of hard work and confidence we will have a pretty good season.”
The league will be a lot tougher this year, with Whittier recruiting heavily from the southland. Much improvement is expected from Occidental, Redlands and Scripps. But Blickenstaff feels her Leos will be right up there with the big ones.
“We have a strong team,” she said. “We are very quick at guard, with Patty Davis and Christi Stanford igniting our offense. Returning this year will be Rosa Vasquez and Robin Holland, Vasquez should have a great year, especially on defense where she excels. Her re bounding and hard play will help us tremendously.”
Holland, who has been the most effective center in the league the past three seasons, is expected to have a repeat season to highlight her senior year.
“Robin will help us a lot, especially on defense. She is an excellent rebounder and shoots very well. We are hoping she will have an excellent year and possibly go out a winner,” said Blickenstaff.
