Lady Otters Defeated at Home

Evan FitzGerald

evan_fitzgerald@csumb.edu

Feb. 3, 2008

The Otters continued their winless streak, losing to Cal Poly Pomona 75-67 at the Kelp Bed on Feb. 1. 

Things seemed to be going well for the Lady Otters, Krista Herr won the tip and the Otters were able to score at will in the first half. They also managed to stay out of foul trouble, giving them an advantage over Pomona, who fouled often. After several turnovers during the half, the Otters were able to come out ahead with a score of 37-33. The shooting of Sabrina Jenkins, a guard and Teledramatic Arts and Technology major and Alma Lopez, a guard and Liberal Studies  major propelled the Otters to their first half success, Jenkins finishing the half with 8 points and Lopez with12.

The second half began with stagnant play by both sides, though the Otters were able to retain their lead until there was 12:23 left in the game. The press against proved to be their nemesis as multiple turnovers allowed Pomona to get back into the game and take advantage of the Otters. Despite 12 points by Dana Andrews, a guard and Business junior who had only 2 points in the first half the Otters were not able to rally back. With 2:21 left in the game they were down by six, and at the final they were down by eight.

"I need to decrease my turnovers," said Lopez. "The press break could be more effective if our guards cut to the middle."

Throughout the season it has been the press break that has broken the Otters down during many games, letting the other team fight their way back into the game through steals or rushed shots.

"We had a lapse of defense," said coach Amber Magner. "We don't attack enough when we need to."

On top of the problems facing the team, the loss of JaNae Westmoreland, a center and Psychology junior to academic difficulties has made it more difficult to grab offensive rebounds. Krista Herr, a forward and Social Behavioral Studies senior is now the sole Otter to stand at 6 feet, something that the Otters will have to deal with for the rest of the season.

"We're just small," said Magner. "We went from small ball to mini ball."

For more information visit: www.otterathletics.com.