SWEEP WEEK

By Brandon Petersen

For better or worse, the Westcliff women's basketball team is starting to understand itself.

On the worse side, Westcliff struggled once again shooting the basketball Saturday afternoon at Golden West, though it should be noted they shot far fewer threes than normal and hit many more.

On the better side, the Warriors are a relentless defensive squad, and they absolutely flummox opponents when they are trying to set up their offense.

It all broke down to script Saturday.

The Warriors beat Cal Maritime 53-38, despite shooting 37, 28 and 55 percentages from the field, range and stripe, respectively.

But once again, Westcliff dominated the turnover (+4), steals (+7) and rebounding (+10) battles, all the while holding Maritime to a paltry 32.4% from the floor.

Defense has proven time again up to the task when talking championships.

If this is the Warrior formula, then so be it, the Dubs should lean into their strengths and minimize their weaknesses, as all good teams do.

Scoring-wise, Westcliff spread the love.

Both Elaine Rivera (five rebounds, two steals) and Hayley Berfield (four rebounds, three steals) led the way once again, this time turning in 11 apiece.

Chloe Wright chalked up nine, and Maggie Lapray turned in seven off the bench.

Mirakel Davidson had five and both Jayla Reliford (nine rebounds, five assists, three steals) and Kassidy Beach (five rebounds) had four.

The Warriors (7-4, 2-1) will face their toughest test of the Cal Pac season next Thursday, when they travel north to UC Merced.

Tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.