Alexis Naucler | Staff Writer
Nov. 13, 2014
The Riverside City College women’s basketball team opened their 2014-15 season with the Riverside Earning of Our Stripes Tournament Nov. 7.
The Tigers played against the College of the Desert Roadrunners in the Wheelock Gym with an 83-47 win to kick off their season.
This year’s RCC team consists of 10 new players and three returners, sophomores Tierra Fugua, Ashley Davis and Tristyn Gates.
“I’m feeling really good about this year’s team, we have a lot of experience…the freshmen coming in are just adding to what we have,” said RCC head coach Alicia Berber.
Riverside jumped to a 12-0 lead at the 14:12 mark and never looked back.
The Tigers put up a 50-14 lead in the first half, but when their defense started to slip in the second half, the Roadrunners, as well as the Tigers, were able to gain 33 points.
RCC played a forgettable first half, shooting only 16.7 percent including zero for six on three-point attempts along with 19 turnovers.
“Our defense was off a little and wasn’t in sync at all,” said sophomore guard Tristyn Gates.
“I think we kind of got lazy,” said freshman center Jasmine Busby, “No matter how big the lead is you should always play hard.”
Sophomore center Tori Mitchell led the Tigers with seven field goals and five free throws while Gates followed with six field goals and five free throws.
Busby explained her favorite highlight was scoring a pass from a teammate she was trailing.
Coach Berber didn’t feel this game had an MVP, but it was more of a “team victory.”
“We’ll see how the season progresses to see if there’s anybody that’s going to stand out but I think they truly are a good team,” said Berber.
Following this game, the Tigers lost to El Camino 62-50 Nov. 8 and also had a win over Barstow 61-51 Nov. 9.
RCC will host MiraCosta College Spartans in a nonconference game Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. in the Wheelock Gym.
