Bakersfield College women’s basketball team beat West L.A. College in a close game that pulled BC into a tie for first with West L.A. in the Western State Conference, improving to

BC beat West L.A. 58-55 on Jan. 25 thanks to tough defense and clutch shooting.

Sophomore forward Gabi Morales had 10 points and 17 rebounds, and sophomore guard Jausecca Cockeral had 10 points including two free throws late in the game that gave BC a 58-55 lead.

The Lady ‘Gades started off the game slow falling behind early by a score of 16 to eight, but after a BC timeout the Renegades were able to rally to take a 23-22 lead going into the second half.

“After the timeout I told them calm down and run the ball, and we tried to put in a zone press,” said coach Paula Dahl.

The game stayed close throughout the second half no team getting more than a four-point lead, but BC was the more aggressive team in the second half.

“We just wanted it more in the second half and we wouldn’t let them stop us from that,” said Morales.

The Renegades were down 55-54 when Cockeral made a layup to give BC the lead with 32 seconds left and then made two free throws to push the lead to three.

“I just told myself I need to relax and hopefully I make the free throws,” said Cockeral.

Dahl commented on the team’s performance.

“I was thrilled with my team’s performance. It was a total team effort and our entire game plan was to not let them score, so I was thrilled with what took place,” she said.

“In the first we were in foul trouble and we shot poorly, but we were still in the game because of our defense,” she said.

Dahl added that although she is happy to be in first, but it means much more to her that the team is playing hard and that every player is all in right now, pushing each other to become better.

“Of course I am thrilled to be in first, but the character of my athletes, their heart and desire to perform well, now that is what has me really excited,” said Dahl.

Morales commented on the team’s performance.

“We played as a team never gave up and just kept fighting to the end. I think we really started to play our game in the second half.

She added that the team thinks it’s nice that they’re tied for first, but the team is more focused on getting better each game.

Cockeral gave her thoughts on the game.

“We did pretty good I think at this point were right where we need to be as a team and as long as we stay focused we’ll be alright. I still think we need to improve on our team defense because it has its highs and its lows.”

BC will host Santa Monica College on Jan. 28.