The American River College Women’s Basketball team came close to breaking their losing streak in a squeaker against division rival Cosumnes River College on Friday, Feb. 8. On the Beavers’ home court, CRC hung on to win 70-69, leaving ARC with an overall record of 7-16.
The last time the two teams met, the Beavers lost by 38 points. This time around, the ARC women were ready to put up a fight.
The game started out evenly matched with each team trading baskets until CRC went on a 16-0 run. The run was ended when sophomore guard Jackie Wada hit a three. She tallied eight first half points.
Sophomore forward Leanne Perkins took control of the paint scoring ten points in the first half.
CRC had no answer for freshman Eunique Hopkins, who drove to the rim at will and visited the foul line four times coming away with six of her ten points. The Beavers were 9 for 12 from the charity stripe during the first half.
“We were all on the same page playing defense,” said Leanne Perkins.
Led by Hopkins and Perkins, who each had 10 points at half, the Beavers were down by two points. 31-33, going into half time.
In the second half, Cosumnes attacked the basket more and went to the free throw line 13 times. The Beavers only took four free throw attempts during the stretch.
Turnovers were a key factor throughout the game, with each team committing their share of mistakes. A five-second inbounding violation by CRC gave the Beavers an opportunity to tie the game. The women capitalized on the mistake and tied the game. The ladies held defensively on the other end and ARC went up by three points. A crucial turnover by ARC led to a layup by Samantha Reeder from CRC, the layup cut ARCs lead to one with 1:17 left to play.
CRC started playing the foul game, fouling Eunique Hopkins on back-to-back plays. She missed both free throws, giving CRC the ability to win the game. With two seconds left, Reeder struck again, sinking a layup to put CRC up by one. ARC inbounded the ball but couldn’t get a decent shot off. The game ended with ARC going scoreless for 3:30.
Perkins led the team with 24 points followed by Wada who put up 14 points during the loss to CRC.
“Our effort was really good tonight it was 100 percent,” Wada said. “After the game coach gave us a really positive talk, she was really proud of our effort. People will respect us for our effort.”
The women’s final home game of the season will be Feb. 19 against division rival Sierra College.
