Another Arizona Win: Warriors Take Care of SAGU

The Westcliff women's basketball team was eager to get another win before starting conference play Tuesday in Arizona, where they traveled to play SAGU American Indian College.

The Warriors continued where they left off in their previous game, playing efficiently to beat SAGU, 66-52.

It was another team effort as 12 players scored. 

This kind of display from the whole team will be key for the rest of the season because they will need help from both the starters and role-players.

Trinity Vasquez finished with 10 points and five rebounds, on 63% shooting from the field.

Valisa Millhouse also scored 10 points, with three rebounds, and three assists. 

They say rebounding is an art and a skill that requires a lot of effort. You have to be able to box out your opponent or anticipate which direction the ball might bounce after a missed shot.

The best rebounders claim you have to want it. You have to exert more energy than your opponent for both defensive and offensive rebounds.

On Tuesday evening, the Warriors did just that.

Westcliff beat SAGU on the boards by a margin of 14, 43-29.

Janelle Ramos had a team-high nine rebounds to go along with her eight points.

Their activity on the floor and good defense helped them force 18 turnovers. 

Usually, when a basketball team is able to force that many turnovers, there are a lot of fast-break chances to pull ahead.

Westcliff was able to do that during the second quarter when they outscored SAGU by 18 points to finish the half, 37-16.

Next up, the women's basketball team will continue on the road as they travel to the Bay Area to face the Pacific Union Pioneers.

Head coach Kyle Rouse shared his thoughts on the upcoming schedule: "Our approach doesn't change at all coming into conference play, our preparation stays the same, and our standards the same as well."

It could be a complicated game because the Pioneers come into it having lost their first seven games, all by double digits. A team that is desperate for a win can sometimes prove difficult to overcome.

But the Warriors will try to continue their winning ways and make positive strides as they start a busy December schedule.

"The players know the goals they have set forth for the season, it's all about us pursuing our potential with limited to no excuses," Rouse said.

The contest tips Thursday, December 1st at 5:00 PM.