BC WOMEN EXPERIENCE FIRST LEAGUE LOSSES
January 29, 2013

DeMarea Caples led Bellevue in scoring in both games last week. photo by Rich Dworkis

The Bellevue College Bulldogs women’s basketball team entered the week undefeated in first place in the North Region, then faced two tough challenges at home against Skagit Valley College on Wednesday, followed by Peninsula on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Jan. 23, the Bulldogs hosted Skagit Valley. The game started tough for the Bulldogs, but they were able to hold a slim lead at the half 23-19. Although not playing their best offensively, the Bulldogs were able to do enough and lean hard on their defense to maintain the slight lead. In the second half, the offensive issues continued and Bellevue’s defense faltered, allowing 34 points to Skagit. With 15 seconds left in the game, the Bulldogs held a one-point lead and played tough defense, but Skagit was able to hit a buzzer-beater with three
seconds left on the clock to make it a one-point win over the Bulldogs, handing Bellevue their first league loss, 53-52. Leading the scoring for Bellevue were Chanel Cambronero and DeMarea Caples, contributing 14 points each, with Caples and A.C. DenHartog each pulling down six rebounds.

The Bulldogs looked to rebound at home against Peninsula on Saturday, Jan. 26, but once again found themselves struggling offensively. At one point in the first half the Bulldogs trailed by as many as 19 points, but were able to close the gap by the half to 31-21. Trailing by 10, the Bulldogs hammered away at Peninsula and actually overtook the Pirates briefly. However, Bellevue was unable to hold the lead and, again, found themselves trailing with less than one minute on the clock. The Bulldogs had several opportunities to tie or win the game, but unfortunately nothing would fall for the Bulldogs, and Peninsula walked away with the victory 55-53. Caples provided the bright spot for the Bulldogs with 18 points, followed by Kaitlynn Bunger with 16.

“We are getting good looks, they just aren’t going in right now,” said Bellevue’s head coach Brent Hermanson. “The theme for the Bulldogs is how we start games. We just don’t get enough offense, and don’t take advantage at the free throw line,” Hermanson said. Against Skagit, Bellevue was 52% from the line, and against Peninsula, 46% from the line. In addition to free throws, the Bulldogs have been unable to finish around the basket. Against Skagit, Bellevue was only 26.7% in the first half and 35% for the game, and against Peninsula, the Bulldogs were 28% in the first half and 34% for the game.  “Our defense is fine, we are holding teams at around our goal of 54 points, and our offensive execution is fine, but we fail to make the next pass or are simply missing open opportunities,” said Hermanson.

Following a bye Wednesday, Jan. 30, the Bulldogs (5-2, 12-8) take to the road for a match-up against the Olympic Rangers (0-7, 0-17) in Bremerton on Saturday, Feb. 2; tip-off at 2:00 p.m.