In a thriller at home, the UCSD women’s basketball team improved its overall record to 10-7 and its league record to 6-6 by defeating Grand Canyon University 91-78.
Guardian
In the first half, the Tritons came out a bit off. They took 21 shots, making only 8. Grand Canyon was also a mediocre 33 percent shooting in the first half, and at that half’s close, the UCSD Tritons were up by only a single point.
The second half was a different story. Both teams were hot from the field, shooting over 40 percent. The three-point shooting kept Grand Canyon in the game, as it made three out of four in the second half.
When the second half came to a close, the game went into overtime with the score 62-62.
In the first overtime, it was obvious that both teams were a bit tired. The two teams had a combined point total of 16 (8 for each team) so another overtime session was needed to decide the game.
In the second overtime, UCSD kicked it into overdrive and took Grand Canyon right out of the game. It went on a 21-8 run to seal the deal and to defeat Grand Canyon University for the second time this season.
“”Everyone did their part in the victory,”” said senior Ashley Kokjohn. “”When the game went into double OT, we were able to keep our momentum and escape with a victory. I am not sure why they couldn’t hold up in the second overtime, maybe because they haven’t traveled enough this season, but our team played great and came up big down the stretch.””
The fabulous three for the Tritons came up big in this game: Genevieve Ruvald had 19 points, and Maya Fok and Nicholle Bromley each had 17. Each is averaging in double figures for the season.
Kokjohn, the rebounding leader for the team, was excellent on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds, including six offensive boards that gave UCSD second-chance opportunities. The assist leader on the team, Fok, dished out nine to aid the cause.
“”The rookies are doing a good job adjusting to the level of play this season,”” Kokjohn said. “”With Kimberly Neal out for maybe the rest of the season, the rookies will need to pick up the slack, which they have done.””
When asked about how the Tritons prepare for their opponents, Kokjohn responded by saying that they just take “”each game at a time”” because no opponent is a pushover and the team looks to “”surprise some teams that may underestimate them this season.””
The seniors have stepped up for the team, as Ruvald and Kokjohn have done their jobs both on offense and defense. Neal, the only other senior on the team, got injured and might be out of for the rest of the season. Yet for some of the new underclassman, the seniors have truly helped their transition to collegiate basketball.
“”I can see the difference in the level of play; all the players are stronger and more physical than they were in high school,”” said freshman Tricia Young. “”The seniors have been really great and encouraging for all the freshman players and it has showed in our team chemistry.””
The Tritons take on two very good teams next weekend here at RIMAC Arena. On Feb. 2, the team squares off against California State University Chico and on Feb. 3, UC Davis comes to town.
“”This weekend will be a good test for our team, with both Davis and Chico coming to town,”” Kokjohn said. “”Maya [Fok] transferred from Davis last year, so she is anxious to show them how good a player she is. All we must be concerned of is our consistency. If we can be consistent in all facets of the game, we will win.””
Both games start at 6 p.m. and should showcase some of the best talent the California Collegiate Athletic Association has to offer.
