By Donevan Aceves, Dec. 7, 2021
Coming off a 1-3 record throughout their first four preseason games, the CPP women’s basketball team traveled to Coussoulis Arena on Nov. 27 to take on Cal State San Bernardino. The match ended in a 69-65 victory for the Broncos, marking the first time they have competed in a conference game since Feb. 2020.
The nearly two-year hiatus didn’t seem to be much of a factor in this contest as both teams went back and forth throughout the CCAA opener. According to senior guard Jayda Villareal, emotions ran high following their first win.
“It felt great to start off conference with a win especially because it was an away game,” said Villareal. “I was very eager and excited to get back after not having played and I know we are capable of reaching our goals and being successful in conference. I want to have fun and go out with a bang.”
The Broncos maintained a strong offensive attacking strategy as they put up 16 points in the first quarter. With a score of 16-12, the Broncos entered the second quarter with a four-point lead, building their lead over the Coyotes throughout the first half. The CPP team headed to the locker room up 37-27 by halftime.
A comeback for the Coyotes seemed attainable as they cut into the Broncos’ lead during the third quarter of the match. Nonetheless, Head Coach Danelle Bishop, stuck with the original game plan, allowing the Broncos to maintain their lead.
Freshman guard Sydney Fedinec proved an asset to the CPP team, as she led with 16 points. Fedinec also shot 6-9 from the field and was 2-2 from three-point range.
“Today was definitely a good start for us, but there are definitely some things that we still need to work on,” said Fedinec. “We are all in the same boat, but we all lean on each other and hope that we can continue to win and keep on surprising people.”
By the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Broncos battled the Coyotes to keep their five-point lead. Just three minutes into the final quarter the Coyotes quickly evened the score at 55-55.
Operationalizing a final offensive attack, the Broncos managed to gain some separation and scored an additional six points with only four minutes left in the game. Switching quickly to defensive tactics not long after, the Broncos kept the Coyotes at bay, closing out the game with a 69-65 final score.
For senior forward Monica Todd, who earned 14 points and five assists for the Broncos, the match marked a strong start for the team’s comeback season, as well as her own after tearing her ACL during the 2019-2020 season.
“Coming back after tearing my ACL has been difficult, but it felt great to be back and it felt great to get the win today,” said Todd. “I think our main goals are to not only win conference undefeated, but to also win a regional title and a national championship as well.”
For team stats, highlights and livestreams of the game, visit the CPP Athletics Department website.
Featured image courtesy of Mike Farrell