TAFT, CA – In the last two games of the fall semester, Taft College Women's Basketball were on the road participating in the annual Allan Hancock Bulldog Crossover in Santa Maria.
The first game was held on Friday, December 15 against Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Both teams playing on neutral site were revisited when LA Trade Tech lost previously in the early season when Taft defeated them in the opening season 72-61 on November 2. This time around, it would be the Beavers defeating Taft in a tight back and forth affair 81-79.
The game had 9 ties and 19 lead changes. "It was definitely a possession game. It was anyone's game honestly. Trade Tech has some very athletic guards on their team that can do some damage on the offensive end. However, I was proud of our team working as hard as they do all the time, and having the will to win," said Taft Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr.
Madyn Kassatly led the team with a double double of 24 points and a game high 17 rebounds, along with 3 steals and 2 assists. Ella Waufle scored 17 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and collected 2 steals. Waufle shot a whopping 50% from the 3-point line shooting 4-8. Amaya Payne also had a double double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Mary Pahukoa scored 8 points, while Faith Wilson pumped in 7 points, and Alyah Blackwater contributed 6 points, while having a game high of 6 assists.
The next day, the Lady Cougars would face host team Allan Hancock College. In somewhat of a close game with the score tied 4 times and 3 lead changes, Taft would control the game most of the time defeating the Bulldogs 84-72. Taft outscored Allan Hancock 40-34 in the paint, while outscoring them 21-5 in the second quarter.
Colorado freshman standout Madyn Kassatly scored a game and career high of 37 points. She collected another double double grabbing 11 rebounds, along with 2 assists and a game high of 4 steals. Another Colorado freshman attraction was Ella Waufle scoring 21 points, making 3-9 from beyond the arc, and shooting a perfect percentage 4-4 from the charity stripe. Las Vegas native Amaya Payne collected her 7th double double of the season with 10 points and a game high of 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Sophomore Alyah Blackwater scored 8 points and had 3 assists. Faith Wilson chipped in 4 points and 4 assists.
Coach Lagmay added, "Taft Basketball is doing great. We are blessed to have our ranking, and I couldn't ask for more with our players working as hard as they do. Madyn, Ella and Amaya are a tremendous trio that are playing amazing ball right now. If you haven't visited Cougar Country by now, I think it's time to take notice. This program has come a very, very long way from being at the very bottom historically to now being a force to be reckon with."
Taft College Basketball is now 10-4 overall in the season and was voted recently with the school's highest state ranking in history at #11 in the 3C2A Northern Section. Taking some time off for the Christmas Holiday break, the Cougars will return to action at home when they host visiting Santa Ana College on Saturday, January 4 at 3:00 pm.