Taft Defeats Bakersfield Women’s Basketball for First Time Since 2007

TAFT, CA – Kern County rivalry community colleges Taft College and Bakersfield College went toe to toe in Taft for a game of women's college basketball. The last time Taft defeated Bakersfield College was under then Head Coach Greg McCall in his last year coaching the Cougars in the 2007 season. 17 years later, the Lady Cougars Basketball Team finally ends a drought defeating the Renegades 42-33 at the Al Baldock Cougar Sports Center.

It wasn't a filet mignon night. It was rather sloppy joes to eat. Both teams combined for a total of 60 turnovers.

"This obviously wasn't our best performance, but as mentioned by a colleague, an ugly win is better than a pretty loss. I really am satisfied how aggressive our team plays defensively. They play with composure. I'm probably the one that needs more composure than them (laughing). The players stayed poised and focused on all tasks at hand. The chemistry of this team is improving more and more, and the anticipation to play our next games is without a doubt with enthusiasm," said Taft College Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr.

There was not a single player from Taft that scored in double figures, but it definitely was a team win. Alesha Gordon (Oakland, CA) led the game with 10 rebounds, while Mary Pahukoa (Maui, HI) and Ella Waufle (Thornton, CO) led the game with 5 steals apiece. Returning after a two-week hiatus was freshman Madyn Kassatly leading the game defensively with 8 deflections.

The Cougars are currently 2-0 in the early season and will travel this weekend playing three games in a row starting on Friday, November 8 against West Los Angeles College, Saturday against Ventura College and ending Sunday versus Irvine Valley College hosted by West LA College for the 8^th Annual Wild West Shootout.