The Santa Rosa Junior College women’s basketball team closed out its regular season with a 54-37 win over Modesto Junior College on Sophomore Night, Feb. 17, controlling the game from the opening tip in a key Big 8 Conference matchup.
In front of a home crowd honoring the sophomore class, Santa Rosa wasted no time asserting itself. The Bear Cubs opened on a 17-6 run, building an early cushion and never allowing Modesto to establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
Though Santa Rosa struggled with efficiency — shooting 23-for-69 from the field and 4-for-24 from 3-point range — it compensated with physical play, relentless pressure and dominance on the glass.
The Bear Cubs grabbed 51 total rebounds, including 24 on the offensive end, repeatedly generating second-chance opportunities while limiting Modesto to one shot per possession. Santa Rosa also recorded 14 steals, eight blocks and 16 assists, showcasing active hands and unselfish ball movement.
Sophomore forward Kaia Eubanks, the team’s leading scorer, emphasized the importance of rebounding in maintaining control of the game.
“Stopping the other team’s rebounds was really important because it gives their offense second opportunities,” Eubanks said. “If we could eliminate those as much as possible, it’s really big.”
Freshman forward Jordan Washington credited the team’s intensity and preparation for the wire-to-wire victory.
“We had to lock in on defense and be more aggressive out there, and we’re working more on passing rather than shooting immediately,” Washington said.
Washington also reflected on the impact the sophomore class has had on the program’s culture.
“The sophomores have always created a positive and intense environment at practice,” she said. “Even when they were tired, they would continue to keep going. I think that’s something that we definitely have to bring back again next year.”
While the night carried added emotion, the Bear Cubs remained composed. The celebration of the sophomore class framed the night, but the team stayed focused on finishing the regular season strong.
Santa Rosa followed the win over Modesto with a 60-46 victory at American River College on Feb. 20, officially closing out conference play and strengthening its postseason position.
“Right now, we’re focusing on playoffs and how we feel going into them,” sophomore guard Elle Picard said. “Knowing our standing in the conference hasn’t changed the way we play.”
The evening also marked head coach Lacey Campbell’s 20th season leading the program, adding another layer of significance to the celebration.
“The program and these kids make it worth being here this long,” Campbell said. “It’s always a tough thing to play a Sophomore Night game. There’s a lot of emotion, but I thought the team did well against a tough team.”
With the regular season complete, Santa Rosa now turns its attention to postseason play. The Bear Cubs will return to Haehl Pavilion for the 3C2A Women’s Basketball NorCal Regional on Saturday, Feb. 28. After earning a first-round bye, Santa Rosa will host the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between College of the Redwoods and Hartnell College.
As the playoffs begin, the Bear Cubs carry forward the identity they displayed on Sophomore Night — toughness on the boards, disciplined execution and commitment to playing for one another.
