The Cosumnes River College women’s basketball team kicked off its season by playing in the annual CRC Invitational, from Nov. 11-13.
The team, led by sophomore guard Andraquay Quinnine and sophomore forward Deaughna Barker, won its first two games but lost in the championship game against the Fullerton College Hornets.
“I’m very pleased with our performance this weekend,” said head coach Coral Sage. “I think if we can clean up a few things and learn from some of our mistakes, we’re going to do really well this year.”
CRC vs. Hartnell
The Hawks dominated in the first game, winning 76-64 against the Hartnell College Panthers on Nov. 11.
“This win means a lot,” Quinnine said. “It shows what we are capable of doing.”
The Hawks managed to keep a consistent lead throughout the game and displayed an aggressive and effective offense against the Panthers.
However, when on the defensive, there were gaps that the Panthers squeezed through.
“We played aggressive by taking the ball down the post,” said Panthers freshman point guard Fe Ramos.
The Panthers managed to counter the Hawks at times, but the Hawks overpowered them by passing and causing turnovers.
Despite winning, the Hawks still felt that they have a lot to improve, Espinosa said.
“[We] need to play better offensively, and pick up our defense,” said freshman guard Fernandi Espinosa.
The team needs to improve their defense and fill in the gaps, Quinnine said.
CRC vs. Modesto
In a down-to-the-wire finish, the women’s basketball team defeated the Modesto College Pirates 76-68 in the second game of the tournament on Nov. 12
With the victory, the Hawks secured a spot in the championship game of the CRC Invitational.
With an early focus on turning defense into scoring opportunities, the Hawks set another aggressive tone, and proved that they were looking to win the tournament.
“We want to come out and get into the flow, play hard defense, work to get turnovers and turn them into layups on the other end,” Sage said.
With the Pirates getting into foul trouble early in the first quarter, the Hawks were able to capitalize on free throws to tie the game.
On the team’s next possession, the Hawks took the lead with a 3-pointer by Quinnine.
The score changed the momentum and the Hawks never looked back, leading by as much as 15 points.
Late in the game the Pirates moved to make a rally and brought the game within 6 points after sophomore forward Larissa Rosenfield hit a 3-pointer with 3:40 left in the game. However, the Hawks were able to hold them off.
Quinnine emphasized that the team needs to improve some of its skills and tactics in order to win the championship game.
“[We’re looking to] win, work on defense, communication, rotation and rebounding,” said Quinnine.
CRC vs. Fullerton
The women’s basketball team started off the championship game on a high note, leading 9-0 early in the first quarter against the Fullerton College Hornets on Nov. 13.
However, as the fouls began to climb, Fullerton took the lead and the first half ended with a score of 34-26.
“I’m feeling pretty good, we were hoping to be a bit closer by halftime,” Sage said. “We need to clean up our defense a bit.”
The Hawks failed to put enough points on the board, and the deficit grew to 42-28 early in the third quarter.
Fullerton College won the game 70-44, earning the CRC Invitational championship.
“It’s one thing off of our goal list,” said Hornets head coach Debi Woekl. “We were hoping to win, but to win by this much was a surprise. It feels good.”
The Hawks are confident that they will be able to rebound from the loss.
“This means we have to play harder next time,” Barker said.