TAFT, CA – In the last two contests, Taft College Women's Basketball lost to Fresno City College and defeated Porterville College. Taft is in a unique situation where they must win the next three contests to secure a playoff berth in post-season play.
Taft College Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. expressed his views on the situation, "Well it's that time of year that you hope your team is in a good place, but it's also a time where some players get burnt out, and ready for it to be all over. But then again, we have some that really want to win and extend their season by advancing to the playoffs. We just to have to find purpose and be able to stand our ground while other programs are going through the same process."
On February 5, Fresno City College defeated Taft College 72-57. Fresno won the first and third quarter, while Taft tied the second quarter and won the fourth. The Rams collected 18 steals, caused 36 turnovers, and scored 46 points in the paint. Taft on the other hand, only benefited from outrebounding Fresno 39-32.
Madyn Kassatly led the game with 24 points and 9 rebounds, along with 3 assists and 3 steals. Ella Waufle scored 14 points. Amaya Payne chipped in 5 points and had 9 rebounds as well.
Their next game wasn't as bad when victory was claimed by Taft defeating Porterville College 71-55. Taft edged out Porterville in every statistical category: transition points 14-6, points off turnovers 26-16, second chance points 20-9, points in the paint 40-22, rebounds 53-35, and steals 18-7. The visiting Pirates won the first quarter 17-14.
Ella Waufle led the team with 16 points, along with 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Madyn Kassatly scored 15 points, with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Amaya Payne recorded a double double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, along with 2 assists and 2 steals. Alyah Blackwater chimed in with a double double of her own with 12 points and 10 rebounds, with 5 steals and 6 deflections.
Taft has three conference games left starting at Merced College this Wednesday, February 12, and February 15 at Reedley College. The Cougars will play their last conference game at home against Lemoore College on February 21 for Sophomore Night and Play 4Kay.