SPORTS: WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 

South Puget Sound wins first five conference games, takes early lead in West Region 

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The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) women’s basketball team continues to fire on all cylinders, winning their first five games in Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) play.

The opening conference victories also extended a winning streak to 12 games for the Clippers. The stretch of 12 unbeaten games started after a road loss to Clackamas on Dec. 13, 2024.

SPSCC’s first conference game was a 92-40 battering of Tacoma Community College on Jan. 8 at home in a game where the rookies shone brightest.

Freshman big Jaynee Tanner and former NWAC women’s Athlete of the Week awardee Taylor Teeple both recorded double-doubles.

Tanner had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Teeple had 16 points and 10 boards. Rookie guard Monroe Mastro pitched in 19 points. 

The second game for the Clippers was a 77-61 win against Highline Community College at home on Jan. 15.

The Clippers got off to off an early 24-10 lead in the first quarter and, despite a slow close to the first half, they were able to hold the lead at the final buzzer.

Teeple and Tanner both recorded double-doubles, while rookie guard D’ana Esquivel added nine points from the bench in 17 minutes. 

Another challenge came for the Clippers against then-unbeaten Lower Columbia on Jan. 18.

The Clippers started with a 17-10 lead in the first quarter, but the visitors cut the lead to as much as three before halftime.

A big third quarter got the Clippers back to a more comfortable lead, and they were able to hold on for a 65-60 win despite a late rally by Lower Columbia in the fourth.

Tanner got another double-double, while sophomore guard Emma Garcia had 10 points from the bench. 

After the three home games, SPSCC went on the road to face Pierce College in what turned out to be a 75-48 win on Jan. 22.

Four Clippers posted double digits in points, including sophomore guard Vy Tran with 14 points and six rebounds.

This winning streak continued with a dismantling of Centralia College on Jan. 25. Garcia scored 11 points from the bench in the 74-58 road win.

This 5-0 opening conference wins for the Clippers is stark contrast to last year, when they finished 4-8 and missed out of the playoffs. The Clippers also remain the only unbeaten team in the West Region. 

“Even though we’re on this big win streak, we’re not even paying attention to that really,” said Sophomore Guard Emma Garcia.

“We’re focused on our big games coming up, so we’re really preparing for those, and we look forward to carrying that lead.” 

The Clippers will aim to continue their winning ways in a road game against Green River on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

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