According to the Occidental Athletics website, Occidental’s women’s basketball beat Hope International 97-52 at an exhibition game Nov. 1 and won their first game of the season 66-57 against University of Saint Katherine Nov. 4.
According to Coach Isaiah Gatewood-Flowers, this year’s team is quite experienced and has been preparing for the current season.
“This year’s team is the most experienced team I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Gatewood-Flower said. “We have a lot of experienced players which will bring good results.”
According to teammate Micah Elegores (first year), the team has adopted a rigorous practice schedule leading up to the season, noting 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday practices.
Spectator Seb Kombo (first year) vouched for the talent exhibited.
“The whole team’s killing it. Good defense, good offense, moving the ball very well” Kombo said.
Gatewood-Flowers said the team was prioritizing getting used to playing in front of an audience and practicing the techniques they’d been training.
“[We were] just trying to exercise what we’ve been doing over the past month,” Gatewood-Flowers said.
According to team captain Gabbie Etopio (senior), point guard Dominique Cabading (sophomore) deserved much praise after the Nov. 1 game.
“She’s coming through as one of our strongest leaders so far. I think we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with having her as point guard,” Etopio said.
Elegores said that an important source of the team’s strength is the strong relationships between players.
“[Being on the team is] a lot of hard work, but I think the fact that we all have each other makes it a lot better,” Elegores said.
Elegores said that she’s grateful for the close friendships she’s built through the team.
“Since I first came here, they’ve welcomed me in,” Elegores said. “I’ve had friends since the first day of school.”
Gatewood-Flowers said that the positive relationships and ability to communicate that the teammates have developed with each other are key to success.
Etopio said that their Nov. 1 victory reflected the synergy the team has built.
“[We’re] really good at working on our team culture and making sure we’re on the same page,” Etopio said. “When we’re on the court, it shows.”
Etopio said that there is a really strong desire to win among the players.
“Everybody’s looking good really, I think it’s going to be our year,” Etopio said.
According to Gatewood-Flowers, the team and coaching staff are enthusiastic about their future prospects this season.
“[We’re] very hopeful and optimistic for the season, I think we have the talent, and we have the potential to be one of the top teams in the SCIAC,” Gatewood-Flowers said.
Contact Eli Heringman at heringman@oxy.edu
