Women’s Basketball Preview: Lets Run it Back
Last Season? In its inaugural season as part of the Cal Pac and NAIA, Westcliff women's basketball team set the standards as high as possible. The Warriors reached the Cal Pac Championship final last season where they lost to UC Merced. Of course, after having great results many speculated that they would be favored to make it til the end against a well balanced conference this year. Well, the Cal Pac coaches see it that way because in a recent preseason poll, Westcliff was selected #1. They received a total of six first place votes which was four more than the next team at two votes.
So, are expectations high? Yes, they are.
But this is something that is ingrained in the culture that Westcliff prides itself on and instills in their student athletes. We call it the 5C's: Character, Culture, Community, Committed, Championships. Each of these go together like a formula and is the template for the success that Westcliff athletics has been able to achieve. And at the end of these 5C's is Championships, which is also the ultimate goal for the women's basketball team. It will be a tough road with a schedule that will test the ultimate capabilities of each individual and the team as a whole. But with a hard working coaching staff and hard working student athletes, the Westcliff women's basketball team is ready to get this season started and make some noise.
We asked Head Coach Kyle Rouse a couple of questions about his squad and the upcoming season.
1. What are some of your expectations and goals for this season?
"One of the main expectations and goals we have for this season is to continue to compete and represent Westcliff in the ways we always have been. To continue to build our culture and community with high character and compassion. We would also love to have another run at the CalPac playoffs and make another run in the NAIA Tournament of course."
2. There are a ton of newcomers to the team heading into next season, please highlight two or three of them and talk about what they bring to the team and to the school.
"We have a very exciting and talented group of girls coming in this year. They all have different skills and talents to add to this roster. Janelle Ramos is one of our transfer students from FJC. Standing at around 6'2, she plays well around the basket and in the paint. She has a very high IQ but continuously wants to learn and improve. Another very exciting transfer student from IVC is Morgan Higgins. Coming in with MVP and All-State Honors, she is someone who can do many things on the floor. From controlling the offense, setting up teammates and getting a stop on defense, she is someone who will be on everyone's scouting report. Last but most certainly not least, is Valisa Millhouse. Transferring in from Texas, she brings a whole new demeanor onto this roster. Someone who is tough, crafty and an absolute workhorse. She will be having her fingerprints all over every game we have to play."
3. You also have a few returners who will be returning to continue to make an impact in the basketball program?
"We are very excited to have Trinity and Neyha coming back for season two here at Westcliff. They exemplify the 5 C's on and off the court, they're leaders in the classroom and love to compete in practice and games. They have both taken on a bigger leadership role this year as well, ensuring the newcomers understand the culture we are trying to build here at Westcliff."
4. Talk about your team captains this year, who are your leaders and why are they your leaders?
"Trinity Vasquez, who we all know has been doing her thing day in and day out, has picked up right where she left off from last season. Competing during practice, taking care of business in the classroom and setting the tone for what to expect during the long season. She and all of the Warriors have welcomed their newest Co-Captain in Eva Taylor. Eva is someone who never lacks energy. Whether it's at our 7am practices or game days, communication is something she excels in. Constant encouragement, competitive spirit and the ability to capture the attention of the team."
5. Talk about the schedule coming up this year, what are some of the matches you will participate in? Please talk about tough matches in your preseason or conference schedule.
"We have always been a program that loves to compete at the highest level, whether that is pre season or during conference play. With that being said, we have a couple of ranked NAIA teams on our schedule with Westmont, Masters and Hope International. We also love to take our talents to the NCAA side with scheduling games and scrimmages against UCI, Cal Tech and Claremont-Mudd Scripts. Conference play should also be very exciting for us. The Cal Pac has done a great job with bringing in new talent for all teams, making it more competitive than ever."
6. Last Question, Do you have anything else that you wish to add?
"We would love to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has shown continuous support in our program. We would love to see a packed out gym come game time!"
The preseason will begin October 28, at Cal Tech.
Westcliff University
2021-22 Season Record: Conf: 10-2. Overall: 14-12
Top Returners:
Trinity Vasquez (5'8, G)(Sr.) (19.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg)
(CalPac Player of the year, Newcomer of the year)
Neyha Lali (5'6" G) (So) (5ppg),
(24 games played, including a 20-point game in the National tournament against #1 ranked Westmont)
Newcomers:
Morgan Higgins (5'7, G)(Jr.) (16ppg, 4.9apg, OEC player of the year)(21-22 season)
Janelle Ramos (6'2, F)(Jr.) (13.8ppg, 8.3rpg) (21-22 season)
Valisa Millhouse (5'5, G)(So) (14.5ppg, 5.8rpg) (21-22 season)
Lucy Voss (6'4, F)(Fr) (15ppg, 12rpg) 21-22 season)