January 12, 2017

Giants rely on bench for victory over Merced

Merced

8-11 (0-2)

Sequoias

15-3 (2-0)

Final

Merced 8-11 (0-2)

Sequoias 15-3 (2-0)

VISALIA - The College of the Sequoias women's basketball team never trailed in their game against Merced, but the first half showed that the Lady Blue Devils were not going to lay down to the State's fifth-ranked team.

Giants head coach Ray Alvarado was frustrated after the game despite the win.

"We didn't really play well to be honest with you," Alvarado said. "I was disappointed in our effort. When one player (Salihah Bey) from the other team scores thirty plus points, that's not good.We have to go back and fix our rotations."

COS looked like the State's fifth best team when they wasted no time and went on a 16-0 run to begin the game.

Twelve players scored for the Giants on the night with Cassidy Rodriguez leading the way. She scored 18 points off the bench, knocking down 4-of-5 three pointers.

The Giants' bench scored 47 points in a rainy Wednesday night.

Dojahnae Senegal's four game double-double streak was snapped as she finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Even though Alvarado's team had a 28 point lead at one point, he was also unhappy with the lack of energy the women played with.

"Our effort defensively was good in spurts, but it's hard to get in a rhythm with so many kids playing," Alvarado said. "We are going to have to fix that and bring some energy."

Sequoias next game is on Saturday, as they host Porterville at 7 p.m.