The Santa Rosa Junior College women’s basketball team opened postseason play with a 60-49 victory over Hartnell College on Feb. 28 in a Northern California regional playoff game at Haehl Pavilion.
Powered by a dominant performance from forward Jordan Washington, Santa Rosa built an early lead, weathered a third-quarter push from Hartnell and pulled away in the fourth quarter to advance.
The Bear Cubs established control early, outscoring Hartnell 17-11 in the first quarter. The lead held through the second quarter as Santa Rosa entered halftime ahead 28-21.
Hartnell responded after the break, scoring 22 points in the third quarter to tighten the game. The Panthers cut the deficit to 44-43 entering the final period.
Santa Rosa regained control in the fourth quarter, limiting Hartnell to 6 points while scoring 16 to secure the playoff victory.
Washington led the Bear Cubs with 37 points and 22 rebounds, shooting 10-for-21 from the field and converting 17 of 27 free throws while collecting 12 offensive rebounds.
Despite being named Northern California Player of the Year earlier in the week, Washington said her focus remains on the team’s postseason run.
“It’s really cool to be recognized that way,” Washington said. “But it’s a team sport, and I like seeing my teammates lifted up for the hard work they do. Pushing as far as we can in the playoffs is my goal — hopefully making it to the state championship.”
Hartnell’s physical defense forced Santa Rosa to stay composed. The Panthers committed 29 fouls and repeatedly sent the Bear Cubs to the free-throw line.
Washington said her teammates’ encouragement helped her stay focused at the line.
“Our point guard, Elle, came up to me after I got fouled and said, ‘Get out of your head. You’ve got this. You can make these,’” Washington said. “I think relying on each other helped us push past all their fouls.”
Santa Rosa outrebounded Hartnell 51-34 and collected 18 offensive rebounds.
Forward Kaia Eubanks added 8 points and 7 rebounds for Santa Rosa, while guard Elle Picard finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Picard said the victory validated the work the team put in during the week leading up to the playoff opener.
“I think getting this win solidified the work we’ve put in this whole season,” Picard said. “We had a week of practice to prepare, and it showed that we deserve the position we’re in.”
Playing at home also added pressure to the postseason matchup, Picard said.
“It’s good because we don’t have to travel, and we get to stay in the gym we’re used to,” Picard said. “But there’s extra pressure when you’re hosting because every team coming in wants to beat you.”
Head coach Lacey Campbell said the win reflected the team’s growth throughout the season.
“Earlier in the year, a physical team like that might have taken us out of our game,” Campbell said. “But the ability for us to play through adversity shows the growth this team has made.”
The Bear Cubs’ season ended March 7 with a 66-48 loss to Fresno City College in the 3C2A Northern California Regional Final.
