Onward and Foward, WU Overpowers UAV

Onward and Foward, WU Overpowers UAV
January 26, 2024
By Francisco Claudio
 
The Westcliff women's basketball team defeated the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers 61-51, securing their second consecutive win.
 
The Warriors took down a formidable UAV team that was the No. 2 seed in the Cal Pac conference before the game.
 
With the win, the Warriors improved to (9-8, Cal Pac 7-5) and remain one of the top five conference teams to this point.
 
"Definitely happy with about 30 minutes of the 40 minutes we played last night," shared head coach Kyle Rouse after the game. "The second quarter our tempo and execution changed. UAV did a good job imposing their will that quarter. The other three quarters we were more patient and played smarter which ultimately led to the success."
 
Westcliff's Jalen Long was vital in the win as she scored a game-high 16 points, dished five assists, and two steals.
 
Long shot just shy of 50% from the field and was 2-5 from beyond the arc. Her performance earned her player of the game.
 
Veteran Valisa Millhouse followed with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
 
Both Long and Millhouse struggled under foul trouble throughout the game and fouled out during the fourth quarter.
 
But their impact was felt the whole game and when they were on the floor it was a game changer.
 
Eva Taylor had 10 points as the sharpshooter knocked down two threes.
 
Off the bench, Janelle Ramos gave the Warriors solid minutes and was able to be effective in a short amount of time.
 
Ramos hit a wide-open three-pointer from the top of the arc that left the Pioneers flabbergasted. But she'll take those shots especially if given the space and time.
 
The Warriors came out with the right intensity and energy to start the game as they went on an 8-1 run that set the tone early on.
 
You could tell this was a game they were ready for and were planning to be engaged from the get-go.
 
The Pioneers made their run in the second quarter and took a one-point lead heading into the half-time break, 29-28.
 
But Westcliff responded in the last two quarters outscoring UAV 33-22.
 
When asked about the difference between his team now and a month ago, Coach Rouse responded: "Not much different as far as where the team is at versus the last game, the main difference is we played more consistently and played more together last night. Great overall group effort."
 
Moving forward the message to the team is clear.
 
"The message last night was 'onward and forward,' Rouse said "Can't relax now with short-term success. Marathon, not a sprint. Eight guaranteed games left and we have to play like the postseason isn't guaranteed because it isn't.
 
"Anyone can beat anyone this season and it's showed the first 12 games of the conference. 
We have to stay locked in."