The Santa Rosa Junior College women’s basketball team flexed its defensive prowess, defeating the Solano Community College Falcons 74-54 Tuesday at Haehl Pavilion.
“We are a defensive team. We were able to get stops and scores. That’s how we kind of made that run. And that’s kind of what we hang our hats on,” said SRJC Head Coach Lacey Campbell.
Attendees cheered enthusiastically as SRJC (5-2) looked to repeat last week’s success after winning against Laney on Friday. The Bear Cubs’ perseverance and teamwork gave viewers an exciting game.
Preventing Solano from scoring through defensive strategy in the second quarter allowed the Bear Cubs to build on a lead that proved insurmountable for the Falcons.
Costly fouls hampered the Bear Cubs in the first quarter, giving Solano the upper footing early in the game. But thanks to consistent free-throw shooting and fast-breaks, the Bear Cubs managed to keep an even footing with Solano.
As a result of some elite ball dominance the Bear Cubs managed to bring the score back up, leading Solano 17-15 at the end of the first quarter.
SRJC continued to maintain control over the ball, which initially granted them a strong lead but Solano slowly closed the gap at a score of 25-23 midway through the second quarter.
Ultimately, the Bear Cubs outscored the Falcons 15-8 in the second, ending with SRJC’ guard Caitlin Baldwin hammering in a 3-pointer to end the half with emphasis.
A strong start to the third quarter as the Bear Cubs’ nailed back-to-back shots continue to build the gap against Solano. Solano attempted to comeback, but SRJC continuously overwhelmed their opposition.
With Lindsey Arellano breaking-ankles and Caitlin Baldwin hitting a three from down-range, SRJC closed the third-quarter with a score of 55-44.
Bear Cubs’ Guard/Forward Ivy Gonzalez finished the game with 24 points, dominating quarter-four with a barrage of layups and jump shots from mid-range and beyond the arc line.
In the fourth, Bear Cubs’ Guard Cele Urzua lined up a shot from three and hit nothing but net. Plays like the ones made by Urzua bolstered SRJC’s score, creating a near 20-point gap the game with a score of 74-54.
“Our conference is really, really tough. So this next month is going to be big just for preparation for the conference. Our goal is big, a conference championship, and then from there we feel like we can do anything,” Campbell said.
And with five wins under the Bear Cubs’ belt so far, maybe that dream isn’t so far from their reach.
SRJC will face San Mateo next at 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Haehl Pavilion.
