GILROY
–– Despite being down by 20 points for most of the second half
against visiting Foothill College on Wednesday, the Gavilan women’s
basketball team kept firing away and kept hussling down the
court.
It didn’t matter that Foothill towered over the Rams. It didn’t
matter that the Rams had just six players for the game like they
have had all year.
GILROY –– Despite being down by 20 points for most of the second half against visiting Foothill College on Wednesday, the Gavilan women’s basketball team kept firing away and kept hussling down the court.
It didn’t matter that Foothill towered over the Rams. It didn’t matter that the Rams had just six players for the game like they have had all year.
Gavilan has even managed to put together a five-game win streak this season despite freshman Carolyn Beatty being out with a broken foot.
“They didn’t let the fact that they had 11 players get them down,” said Foothill coach Jody Craig. “They play hard, and they can move the ball. They played all 40 minutes. We played poorly the first eight minutes and the last eight minutes. It seems that has been our problem all year.”
The Owls, ranked No. 11 in Northern California, won 71-60 against the feisty Rams. First-year Gavilan coach Mike Girardi said it was the best team his squad had seen all year.
The Rams – for the most part – didn’t look like they had just six players available. Everyone was hustling down the court even at the end of the game.
“There were sometimes when we stood around on a rebound attempt,” Girardi said. “But they kept the intensity up. It is important to keep hustling because you can get your second and third wind as you go.”
The Owls came out hooting from the start of the game, taking a 7-0 lead. Foothill took advantage of some steals to create easy lay-up opportunities.
But the Rams’ hustle created some open looks as well. Gavilan went on a 11-0 run to take a 18-13 advantage with 9:25 to go in the first quarter.
During the rally, Lacey Byers’ defensive hustle helped the Rams convert on the other end for a bucket.
Nicole Donley hit a three pointer – one of four on the night for the sophomore – to put the Rams ahead for the first time at 14-13.
Jennifer Tremblay powered her way in for two, and then Donley found Sabrina Murphy inside.
But less than a minute later, the Owls regained the lead and didn’t give it up again.
Foothill began to methodically pick apart the Gavilan offense and out muscle the Rams on the boards. The Owls had solid offensive contributions from seven different players.
“Our passing was our weakness,” Girardi said. “We need to attack more and drive to the basket. The last 10 minutes of the game, we did a little better on our attack. But the difference in the game was in the rebounding.”
Gavilan went 9-10 from the free-throw line – all were scored in the second half. The Rams did outscore the Owls 36-31 in the second half thanks to a late offensive frenzy, but the deficit was too much for them to overcome.
“It was nice to see the girls not giving up,” Girardi said. “It shows they have a lot of heart.”
Gavilan 24 36––60
Foothill 40 31-–71
Gavilan: Pinto 4 0-0 9, Murphy 6 -1-2 13, Tremblay 6 4-4 16, Byers 1 0-0 2, Donley 6 4-4 20. Totals 23 9-10 60.
Foothill: Moore 4 0-0 10, Aguirre 1 1-2 4, DeShong 3 2-2 8, Jusafagic 6 0-1 12, Malone 7 0-0 14, Finlayson 4 1-3 9, Odiye 6 2-3 14. Totals 31 6-11 71.
