TAFT, CA – Official women's basketball season has begun. Taft College Lady Cougars Basketball has started the season with a victory this past Saturday, November 2 against Los Angeles Trade Technical College, defeating the Beavers 72-61.

Taft won the first and third quarters, allowing the visitors to stay within reach the entire game. Despite 41 points from a Lady Beaver, Taft was able to keep them at bay and secure the victory. The Cougars outrebounded Trade Tech 48-33. They also edged them in transition points 17-6, while capitalizing 29 points from turnovers, and scoring 50 points in the paint to Trade Tech's 8. Though Taft forced 37 turnovers, they had 27 of their own. Seven defensive charges were taken by the Cougars, which made a huge difference in winning the ball game.

Taft College Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. commented, "We all had our nerves, but it being our first game at home, I believe we all held our composure very well. The players did outstanding! And despite our many mistakes, we were able to play through them. Our energy and our efforts on both ends of the court is what made a satisfying game."

Freshman guard Mikayla Villalobos led the team in scoring with 17 points, along with 4 assists. Another freshman from Bakersfield (Foothill HS), forward Tiara Jackson pumped in 12 points and had 7 rebounds. Another freshman guard leading at the point position was Ella Waufle with 11 points. Alyah Blackwater of Monument Valley HS in Utah added 10 points and 3 steals. Sophomore Amaya Payne of Las Vegas was one shy of a double double with 9 points and 13 rebounds and had a team high of 4 steals.

The Cougars will play at home again this Wednesday, November 6 hosting Kern County rival Bakersfield College. Wednesday's game is TC's Spirit Day tipping off at 6:00 pm.