Rubbie Chavez
Staff Writer
The women’s basketball team started off its season with a win, 64-58, against the Westcliff Warriors Nov. 7 at the Frantz Athletic Court.
With only one scrimmage before the season started, head coach Anthony Mason said he is ready for the season and has high expectations for his returners and incoming players.
“We got a lot of nerves out today… We’ve got 10 new players and are getting them acclimated to what we’re doing,” Mason said. “I expect them to make a big impact, and I expect us to really be competitive in our conference.”
The first quarter started off head-to-head. Both the Leopards and the Warriors had strong offense and equally strong defense as well. The quarter ended at 17-17.
“I think we’re still getting used to our new defensive system but I think we’re getting there,” sophomore guard Justine Prajitno said. “We’re gelling together nicely, the chemistry is coming together.”
She put up 10 points against Westcliff.
The Leopards capitalized the second quarter. Defense and offense both came together to keep the Leopards in the lead going into halftime, 39-29.
“The atmosphere is all new… we only have six returners this year,” Prajitno said. “I do feel like we’re ready to hunt as coach Mason would say.”
Jasmine Prajitno had five points against Westcliff.
Once the third quarter started the Leopards’ momentum took a toll and the Warriors took control.
“In the second half I felt like we slowed down a little bit,” Mason said.
The Warriors had been up in the third quarter by putting up 14 more points, giving a strong fight. The Leopards came back and scored 15 points, adding to their lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was a head-to-head fight from start to finish. The Warriors came back to capitalize on mistakes the Leopards’ defense made. The Warriors narrowed the gap to just one point before the Leopards put the game away, 64-58.
Kaylee Shimoda, junior shooting guard, led the Leopards in scoring with 20 points against Westcliff.
“Everybody brings their own talent, so it’s really cool to see and it’s a nice even playing field for everyone,” Shimoda said. “My expectations are definitely knocking down our defensive aspects…always hustling, communicating and overall being there.”
The women’s basketball team’s next game will be on the road at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Life Pacific in San Dimas.
Rubbie Chavez can be reached at rubbie.chavez@laverne.edu.
Rubbie Chavez is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations, and a staff writer for the Campus Times. She is also a dedicated photographer for La Verne Athletics, and her passion for storytelling and sports through dynamic visual content. Her work can also be found on Instagram or at gfxbyrubbie.myportfolio.com
