Taft College Women's Basketball Secure a Landslide Victory in Battle of the Cougars
In a dominant display of basketball prowess, the Taft College Cougars women's team claimed a significant victory over Lassen College with a final score of 97-55 at the Porterville Gym on November 7, 2025. Dubbed the 'Battle of the Cougars,' due to both teams sharing the same mascot, this neutral-site game showcased Taft College's strengths across the board.
The game commenced with the Taft College Cougars immediately establishing their presence on the court. Alesha Gordon scored the opening points with a skillful layup, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Cougars quickly mounted a substantial 15-0 run, highlighted by key plays such as Ella Waufle's early three-pointer and Faith Wilson's jumper following an offensive rebound by Madyn Kassatly. By the end of the first period, Taft College had built a commanding 32-11 lead.
Continuing their powerful performance into the second period, Taft College enhanced their lead with a blend of paint domination and fast-break points, while their defense forced multiple turnovers. Notably, Faith Wilson expanded the lead with a layup after a steal. At halftime, the scoreboard read a staggering 62-19 in favor of Taft.
The third period saw a brief challenge from Lassen College, who started the half with a series of scores. Nevertheless, Taft's solid defense curtailed any hopes of a comeback. Contributions came from several players, with Kimiko Kennedy making significant plays such as a fast-break layup. By the close of the third, the score was 84-43.
As the game moved into the fourth and final period, Taft's bench played a pivotal role in sustaining the lead. Jada Miller's jumper ensured Taft maintained its superiority, and by the final whistle, Taft had sealed their win at 97-55. Key contributors included Kimiko Kennedy, Aubrey Aldan, and Ella Waufle, each adding significant points to the scoreline.
Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. praised the team's overall effort and execution, emphasizing the depth of the roster as all 15 players contributed to the victory. With this win, Taft College Cougars improve their season record to 3-0, displaying both offensive and defensive capabilities that underscore their top-tier status in college basketball.
