Kurtis Williams
With losses to Pacific Lutheran University and Pacific University, the women’s basketball team ended its trying season with 2-14 record.
Freshman Amanda Juarez led the ’Cats against the Lutes, scoring a career-high 23 points in the 67-63 loss.
“I really didn’t think I had that many,” Juarez said. “I remember a lay-up or two and maybe a three [pointer].”
Juarez said she specifically recalls a steal and a three-point play just before halftime that kick started her night.
Pacific senior guard Amy Spieker gaurded Juarez. She tied a women’s record scoring eight three-point field goals, two more than Linfield. Seniors Emily Voorhies and Trinity Gibbons each had 13, helping the Lutes to victory. Linfield sophomore forward Sarah Amina chipped in with 15 points.
Although Linfield led at halftime, its advantage was revoked two minutes into the second half, a lead the Lutes would not relinquish.
A similar outcome occurred the next night against the Pacific Boxers; led by junior guard Rochelle Reeves who scored 22 points.
The Boxers were 15 points ahead with 10 minutes remaining and led for most of the game. Similar to the previous night Linfield was up to the task, cutting the lead down to three points with 45 seconds to play.
Key free throw shooting by Pacific put the game out of reach for the ’Cats. Juarez paced Linfield against the Boxers. Amina, Veach scored 10 points.
Compared with the last time the two teams met, Juarez was pleased with the team’s performance.
“The first time we played them, we were down 21-3,” Juarez said. “To be ahead of them at certain points of the game shows how much we’ve improved.”
As point guard, Juarez is the floor general, not a position often assigned to freshmen. Juarez has taken to the role well, leading the team in scoring and steals.
“It’s like you’re known as the director of the team; everyone looks up to you,” she said.
Juarez said the team will take three weeks off and then a weight training program, followed by spring open gym sessions where the team will play pick up games.
For senior Whitney Honn, this will not be a part of her offseason. After transferring from Seattle University, she played a year of basketball she will never forget, saying it was the most likeable team she has been on.
“It was frustrating not getting wins, but I don’t regret it at all,” Honn said.