The season started strong for Pacific University’s Women’s Basketball team as they went 2-2 in their opening four games with one of those losses being in overtime. The team has shown signs that they will be competitive throughout the season, as with such close score lines and few big losses.
The women’s team has started conference play slow, losing their first six games. The team has struggled to finish games all season with six of their nine losses being decided by fewer than 10 points. Four of those losses were against conference opponents.
The Boxers have been solid defensively this season, ranking in the top four in scoring defense in the conference. It is their scoring and rebounding that has been holding them back this season.
The team is currently last in rebounding in the conference. This is partially due to their size. The Boxer’s have no players listed above six foot who average 10 minutes or more per game. As strong as the team has been on first shot defense, that does not matter unless they can get the defensive rebound to end the possession.
The team ranks seventh in scoring among conference opponents at 59.4 points per game. The Boxers have had difficulties, especially without last year’s leading scorer Jenee Brown, who has been out all season.
Liana Tanaka and Courtney Carolyn have led the team offensively in her absence, averaging 14.4 and 14.5 points each. Tanaka has also led the team in assists this season with 59, and Carolyn leads the team in steals with 39.
The second half of conference play may hold better fortunes for the Boxer’s as new Head Coach Alecia Wilson navigates her first season in charge of a collegiate program.
The Boxer’s face Linfield College in their next game on Jan. 18 in McMinnville Ore.
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