Turnovers, Slow Start Hurt Taft in 84-60 Road Loss at Sequoias

VISALIA, Calif. – A rough first quarter and missed opportunities off turnovers put Taft College in an early hole it could not escape in an 84-60 loss to College of the Sequoias on Wednesday night at Porterfield House.

Sequoias seized control in the opening 10 minutes, racing out to a 23-7 lead and setting the tone with pressure defense and transition offense. The Giants forced Taft into turnovers throughout the night and converted consistently at the other end, using a 26-17 advantage in the third quarter to push the margin out of reach.

Taft managed to force 26 Sequoias turnovers and generated 14 steals, but the Cougars struggled to capitalize, shooting 31.7% from the field (20 of 63) and committing 29 turnovers of their own. Sequoias countered with efficient shooting at 47.0% (31 of 66), including seven 3-pointers, and owned a decisive 58-22 edge in bench scoring that helped sustain the lead each time Taft threatened to rally.

Ella Waufle led the Cougars with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers on 5-of-13 shooting. Madyn Kassatly turned in a strong all-around effort with 12 points, a team-high eight rebounds and four assists in 38 minutes, while Laila Gines added 11 points, four rebounds and three steals. Gines hit two 3-pointers and went 5 of 6 at the free-throw line, including a deep 3 late in the third quarter that trimmed the deficit and briefly swung momentum toward Taft.

Taft College Head Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. commented, "They were just the absolute better team tonight. We haven't seen the style of pace yet. Sequoias was ready for the season opener. Our team response should be to prep that style in practices if we're going to have a shot at this."

That Gines 3-pointer with under a minute left in the third cut into what had been a 22-point gap, but Sequoias responded quickly and never allowed the Cougars to build a sustained run. Earlier, a late first-quarter fast-break 3 by Sydney Chesnut opened up a 23-7 advantage for Sequoias, and another transition 3 from Gabby Brooks in the second quarter stretched the margin to 36-18. Each time Taft pieced together stops or trips to the line, Sequoias answered with perimeter shooting or transition baskets.

Brooks led all scorers with 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists for Sequoias, shooting 8 of 13 from the floor with four 3-pointers. Demi Boykin added 11 points and six rebounds as part of a balanced offensive attack. Sequoias finished with slight advantages on the glass (45-42) and in assists (19-12), complementing their shooting efficiency and bench production.

Taft showed resilience on the boards with 17 offensive rebounds and stayed aggressive to get to the free-throw line, making 16 of 27 attempts. However, the combination of the early 16-point deficit, turnover troubles and Sequoias' hot shooting proved too much to overcome. The Cougars will look to build on their defensive activity and turnover creation while focusing on converting those opportunities as they continue through conference play.