Sports Editor
The CSU Bakersfield women’s basketball team has been going through deep adversity this season.
During the winter break, the ‘Runners (5-13, 2-1 WAC) faced nationally ranked teams such as (2) South Carolina, (10) Arizona State, (11) Stanford, and (17) UCLA
“Of course it’s frustrating. It would be hard for me to say I’m not frustrated,” CSUB head coach Greg McCall said on his team’s performance.
“We’re getting wide open shots, wide open lay-ups because of our defense. It’s us beating ourselves, it’s not the teams that are beating us.”
During CSUB’s second game of a tournament in Honolulu they lost to nationally ranked South Carolina, 90-71 on Nov. 28.
The next game against No. 10 nationally ranked Arizona State on Nov.29 in Honolulu. CSUB took its third straight loss, 60-47.
The ‘Runners tried to bounce back against Fresno State on Dec. 2.
CSUB was unable to break its losing streak and lost in a close game, 57-52.
The ‘Runners were not going to get a break in its next game against No. 17 nationally-ranked UCLA as it defeated CSUB 82-68.
CSUB almost ended its fivegame losing streak at home on Jan. 8 against Pepperdine but junior guard Allie Green’s late game-winning three-pointer gave the ‘Waves a 76-73 lead with 0.8 seconds left.
CSUB faced No. 12 Oregon State on Jan. 15 after losing to UC Riverside on Jan. 12.
The ‘Runners were only able to post a 51-point score against Oregon State as they lost once again.
The ‘Runners got a win against Cal Poly 57-52 for their second win of the season.
CSUB’s next game against No. 11 nationally ranked Stanford was on Jan. 22, but the ‘Runners would be set back as Stanford only allowed CSUB to score 41 points in its 83-41 win.
The ‘Runners faced UC Irvine on Jan. 3 at home and had its best performance of the season only allowing 39 points to the Anteaters and getting a 65-39 win.
“Coach has been making practices super challenging so the games come easy to us,” said senior forward Batabe Zempare after CSUB’s game against Chicago State on Jan. 7. “I’m just pumped to see how far we can take this thing.”
The ‘Runners have gathered themselves after its performance in the pre-season play starting its WAC with a 2-1 record and looking to be contenders in the conference.
“Pre-season definitely has prepared us for conference,” said senior guard Alyssa Shannon.
The ‘Runners will play at University Texas Rio Grande Valley on Jan. 21 at UTRGV at 5 p.m.
