TAFT, CA – In the start of the second part of the Central Valley Conference play, Taft College Women's Basketball started it with a road win last Saturday, February 3, in a second matchup against Reedley College. Taft defeated Reedley 78-71. Reedley is currently in second place (5-2) in the conference standings, while Taft is sitting in fourth (3-4).
After an unexpected loss earlier in the week to Porterville College, Taft was able to bounce back in confident fashion, and avenge an earlier loss to Reedley. Both teams would claim victory with 2 quarters apiece, but the Lady Cougars were able to sustain the lead throughout the course of the game. The Cougars converted 22 points off turnovers, while Reedley scored 16. Second chance opportunities gave Taft the slight edge 11-9, and both were tied at 34 points in the paint. Reedley outrebounded Taft 47-39, but Taft claimed 18-12 in team assists.
Taft Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. shared his remarks, "It was once again a battle that could of went either way with Reedley being marked the favorite. They have one of the best centers in the conference at 6'3", but we did what we do best, and that's fight, and never let up. Inconsistency showed again, but it was in our favor defeating one of the top teams currently in conference. I was super proud of our players showing resiliency and keeping their poise leading to victory. What truly stood out was our team energy showing and believing the evidence of playing for one another."
Celicia Enos led the team with 19 points, in addition to 4 rebounds. Jasmeen Lemons scored 12 points and had 3 assists. Brandy Edwards pumped in 11 points with a team high of 4 steals. Amaya Payne scored her career high of 10 points, while grabbing a team high of 8 rebounds, along with 2 steals. Mary Pahukoa had a game high of 5 assists, along with 3 rebounds, and 2 points.
Taft will have a bye on Wednesday, and will continue play returning back home on Saturday, February 10 against undefeated conference leader (7-0) and #3 state ranked Fresno City College at 3:00 pm.