TAFT, CA – On Wednesday, February 21, Taft College Women's Basketball defeated Merced College 71-47. They did it in front of a great crowd to not only see the game but to support what the game was endorsing. It was the annual women's basketball national Play 4Kay pink out game to promote awareness and research for breast cancer.
With a pink ball and pink nets, along with officials using pink whistles, there was a real game at stake within conference play. Merced arrived late with the game starting an hour later and only six players suited up. However, that did not distract the visiting Blue Devils, as they led the first quarter 20-17 and down one point at halftime with Taft leading 35-34.
The Cougars came out roaring claiming the 3rd quarter 25-4, and never looking back. Taft led in almost every positive statistical category, except for blocks (1-8) and personal fouls (17-10). The Black and Gold strengths consisted of 14 deflections, 17 assists, 54 rebounds, 32 points in the paint, 13 second chance points, 17 points off turnovers, 13 transition points, and 71% foul shooting.
Sophomore Brandy Edwards led the game with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Sophomore Celicia Enos scored 19 points, 8 rebounds, along with 4 deflections and a game high of 3 steals. Sophomore Siera Bradford contributed double digits of her own scoring 12 points. Alizah Lara pumped in 5 points and 5 rebounds but had game highs of her own with 7 assists and 3 steals.
Taft Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. shared his comments, "It was a great game with a great atmosphere. The crowd attendance was great as well with many of our fans wearing pink to show support for cancer awareness and research. We cannot be thankful enough for all the Cougar fans in attendance. As for the game, I'm really happy for our players that held their composure and showed their poise and eventually showing what we can do successfully on both ends of the court."
The Black and Gold will play their grand finale of the season honoring their six sophomores playing in the last game and home game of the regular season on Friday, February 23 at 6:00 pm. Taft is on the bubble making it to the California Community College Women's Basketball State Playoffs. If they defeat visiting Porterville College, then they have a good chance of continuing their season in post-season play.
Porterville (3-8, 5-20) defeated Taft (5-6, 17-10) in double overtime a few weeks ago 78-73.