The Pacific University Women’s Basketball team was competitive throughout the season in head coach Alecia Wilson’s first year at the helm, but the Boxers struggled to produce results. The team currently sits at 7-14 overall and 1-11 in conference.
The Boxer’s undersized team found it difficult to rebound effectively, ranking last among conference opponents with 30.2 rebounds per game. The team knew this entering the season and made a formidable effort to make games close throughout the first half of the season.
During the second half of the season the Boxer’s began to feel the fatigue of a full season and were unable to keep games as close as before. The team’s lack of depth and experience off the bench made it difficult for the Boxer’s down the stretch as player’s adjusted to a full college season.
The Boxers will lose five seniors following this season including Liana Tanaka and Charli Elliot. Tanaka, the Boxers primary ball handler, led the team in assists and was second in scoring as well as second in steals this season. It will be key for the Boxer’s to replace not only her production, but her reliability as that primary ball handler.
The loss of Elliot could also have a huge impact on the Boxer’s next season. Elliot was the best rebounder on a team that struggled to consistently rebound. Listed at only five foot nine inches, Elliot currently ranks sixth in conference in rebounds per game at 8.5. Elliot is also a highly skilled passer who is second in assists for Pacific this season.
The Boxers will return with Courtney Carolyn next season who led the Boxers in points, steals and was second in rebounds. Carolyn’s offensive skill set has grown since being at Pacific and has always been an outstanding defender. She will be a key factor for the Boxers success for the next two seasons.
The women’s team has an opportunity to build upon their young group of players as coach Wilson brings in her first round of recruits of which she has had proper time to evaluate. The outcome of this season for the Boxers may be decided, but the future could very well be bright if coach Wilson can succeed in rebuilding the program.
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