Bakersfield College women’s basketball team beat West Los Angeles on Feb. 18 to get its first Western State Conference title, but fell short of a playoff berth.
BC coach Paula Dahl commented that the reason why they missed out on the playoffs is because Canyons had a better record against Citrus College.
“Since we had the same record, they looked at how we did against the third team in our conference, but we both split against L.A. Valley so they looked at our records against Citrus,” she said. “We won one game and lost the other, and Canyons beat them twice, but one of the wins was one of the 16 games that Citrus had forfeited.
“We have no rule that addresses forfeits, and this is both a conference-level and state-level problem.
“I think it’s something that needs to be addressed at the CCCWBCA (California Community College Women Basketball Coaches Association) executives and coaches meeting and I’ll definitely address it when we meet.”
BC beat West L.A. 67-56 in overtime. BC had good contributions from sophomore guard Jausecca Cockeral, who had 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Forward Brittany Smith also had 21 points and forward Gabi Morales had 11 points and nine rebounds.
BC had the lead throughout the game and were up by four points at the end of the second half, but then they turned it over two times and West L.A. tied up the game 51-51 to force overtime.
BC was able to outplay the Wildcats in overtime, outscoring them 16-5.
“I told them that we’ve given the crowd an exciting game, but now let’s get the win in overtime,” said Dahl.
Along with getting their first conference title, the Renegades also posted the first undefeated record at home and beat every conference opponent at least once.
“We have a special group of young women, and they all bought in before the season started,” she said.
“One of our goals was to win the conference, so it felt good that we were able to accomplish that goal. The game was amazing and it was exciting to get the first conference title for BC. We had an amazing crowd over there, and it was special for me to have my family there.
“Since I lost my dad a year ago, this was a good way for us to honor our loved ones. There was a moment during the game when there was only 20 seconds left in overtime that I looked up and thanked my parents.
“It was one of the best moments I’ve had as a coach.
“This year’s team was unique because from the start they were completely committed, so it’s not an accident.
“It was a lot of hard work and commitment to teamwork. It was great to be a part of the life of these special young women,” she said.
Dahl ended up getting the Coach of the Year in the conference, and she commented on what it meant to her.
“It’s definitely an honor, but it’s also interesting when you get it because it makes it easier when your whole team buys in and when you have a point guard like Jausecca,” she said.
“When you have that, it can make you look like the greatest coach.”