Boxers will rely on tenacity and speed as they enter conference play

posted in: Sports, Top Stories, Winter | 0

With a few losses at the start of the season and a size disadvantage in the conference, the Pacific University women’s basketball team will be playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder as they prepare to head into competitive conference play. With most of the losses coming down to the final shot, scoring early and late game execution will be key to the Boxer’s future success.

With no true center on their roster, the women’s basketball team has been relying on other skill sets, besides size.

“We have zero height,” senior guard Lauren Lykins said. “So it’s all coming down to speed, our ability to execute the plays, understanding defensive rotations and most importantly, our ability to find and box out the other team to ensure there are no second chance points.”

Lykins also mentioned that the team is relying on strong outside shooters, like junior Liana Tanaka and freshman Courtney Carolan, who have has a major impact on the team this season. Newly appointed head coach Larry Davis is stressing the importance of tenacity and speed to his team, to be able to wear out and expose opponents late in the game.

“All the returners wanted Larry to be our coach this year,” senior forward Allison Warren said. “We all fought for them to give him the chance so now it’s our turn to show them that he is deserving of this position.”

Warren said Davis has been pushing the team to improve since day one and he takes pride in trying to have the most conditioned team in the conference. Having every player on the roster in top shape creates opportunities to defensively press other teams late in games, allowing for more chances to get the ball and create turnovers.

Davis said the Boxers are going to continue to try to outplay and outlast every team they play for the rest of the season. After a close loss to the Linfield College on Dec. 2 with a final score of 70-65, the Boxers will continue to look for opportunities to build and grow. Their next match up will be on Dec. 16 at Pomona-Pitzer College.

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