The women’s basketball team battled it out against Skyline College during Friday’s game, winning 70-53.

The Hawks controlled the ball and pushed to keep the offense going, ending the first half with a lead of 35-23.

“Going into this game we really focused on playing together as a team and communicating,” said guard LaKayla Hale.

The team had a total of 48 rebounds and were able to score 23 points off of 14 turnovers.

Hale led the team with a total of eight rebounds and helped create opportunities for her teammates to score.

“If I sacrifice myself, my energy and my body then it will help out the team,” Hale said.

The Hawks put up their largest lead of the game halfway through the third quarter, leading the Trojans by 18 points.

“We didn’t want to lose so, I said ‘let’s put it all out on the floor and let’s talk’,”
said forward Saray White, leading scorer of the game.

The team scored the majority of their points in the third quarter working together to score a total of 23 points.

“Late in the game I look at the clock and I keep pushing and giving it my all,” White said.

Head Coach Samuel Kirby said that the team is building on what they’ve learned this season.

“A lot of the conversation coming into this game was based on our previous game and how we needed to improve as a team,” Kirby said.

Kirby added their teamwork has improved.

“The biggest thing we needed to focus on was playing as one,” said Kirby. “I really don’t believe that we have a selfish player on this team and it showed tonight.”

Kirby said improvement is great, but each game is a new opportunity.

“One of the staples that we talk about on this team is not worrying about the last play or game and focusing on the next,” Kirby said.

The Hawks improved to an 8-1 record after winning Saturday’s away game against the College of San Mateo 62-54. They are scheduled to travel and face Cuesta College on Dec. 17.

“We’re hoping to play as a team with intensity and looking to make great shots,” Hale said.