Nakia Page scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds to lead the Bakersfield College women’s basketball team to a 68-54 victory over Glendale in a Western State Conference South game Feb. 15.
Despite foul issues for both teams, the Renegades powered through and never trailed Glendale, starting with a 7-1 lead early on. Going into the half, BC led 35-28.
Along with Page’s 21 points, BC’s Claesey Tarver had 16 points and five rebounds, and Leigha Moland had 16 points and six rebounds. Some serious adjustments were made in the “lineup and full-court press,” according to coach Paula Dahl.
Dahl was extremely pleased with her team, mentioning that this win was one she really wanted. When asked how it felt to beat a team like Glendale, Dahl responded, “Awesome,” and had a grin to prove it. Glendale’s record dropped to 6-4 in conference and 15-11 overall.
With just one game left in the season, BC stands 6-5 in conference and 11-14 overall. The Renegades travel to Antelope Valley on Feb. 22 for the season’s last game.
BC’s Linda Ramos played a strong game against Glendale, but not before fouling out with seven minutes left, finishing with four points and two rebounds. Coming off the bench, Roosebrooke Hunt had six points, in addition to the team’s high in rebounding with 15.
BC outrebounded Glendale 66-49. BC shot 36.4 percent to Glendale’s 21.6.
And the Renegades took a 23-point lead two minutes into the second half.
BC’s Giselle Flores, in her last season, had 10 rebounds.
Glendale’s Elise Mejia gave the Renegades most of their trouble with 12 points and five rebounds. The press and 2-3 defense could not contain her, which is why Dahl could be heard from the stands, singling out Mejia throughout the game.
When the Renegades changed to man-to-man coverage, the defense was able to slow the ball as Dahl had hoped. Most of the second half points for Glendale came from its foul shots.
Glendale’s Gabriela Beltran was pivotal, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds. And Samantha Pyros of Glendale finished with an 11-point game and nine rebounds. But Glendale’s top scorers had trouble with the man-to-man defense employed by BC.
When asked about foul trouble that BC had, Dahl said they “about killed us,” but with trepidation, “Serious adjustments to counter were necessary. We just needed to slow the ball down.”
With the season almost over, redshirt Paige Robinson said she has high hopes for next year.
“I can’t wait to play,” she said. “I know that the team has been through a lot. I look forward to next season, where I will be a factor.
“Look out for us [next season]. This year, injuries and youthfulness has contributed to a complicated season, but I couldn’t be more proud of the ladies.”
Julia Delarosa and Mackenzie Odle both sat out with different injuries.
Their return is anticipated. Especially, since both girls have been on the team since 2012-2013 seasons, offering a more experienced approach on the game.
Feb. 22 will be BC’s last game against Antelope Valley College.