A six-point gap against the nationally No. 8-ranked Capilano Blues provided food for thought for the Douglas College Royals.
The PacWest League’s women’s basketball team pushed the league leaders last Friday, falling 60-54 in a battle that was a bit like a see-saw ride.
Although they were the pursuers over the final half, the game was extremely close. While a win was within their grasp, the most important take-away was in the details, said Douglas coach Steve Beauchamp.
“The loss to Cap showed we are close, very close, but also showed areas we can improve on,” said Beauchamp.
For the Royals, it was just their second loss and first since a season-opening setback to the same Blues.
What transpired this time out was encouraging, the veteran coach said.
The New West-based squad erased a four-point deficit to enter the half ahead 22-20. Capilano turned the tables in the second half, and exerted a lot of energy to protect that lead.
“It was a very hard fought game, close all the way by a two-to-three point difference,” said Beauchamp. “It wasn’t until about with four minutes left that they hit a couple of big threes.”
While Capilano forged a bigger lead, Douglas did reply but couldn’t bridge the gap.
Leading the Royals’ offence was Rachel Beauchamp, who counted 17 points and five rebounds. Sarah Jorgenson chipped in 11 points while Simran Bir counted 10 points.
Considering it was just the team’s second game after a five-week holiday break, the intensity by both clubs was impressive, noted the coach.
Douglas launched 2017 by topping Columbia Bible College 83-30, with Rachel Beauchamp scoring 21 points, Bir knocking down 15 points and seven assists, and Ellen Fallis contributing 11 points and six steals.
The team was without the services of ailing fourth-year vets Hannah Klassen and Sara Kurath, and first-year Karanveer Rai.
Continuing an up-tempo style that helped build an 8-2 record is what Douglas needs down the stretch, said coach Beauchamp.
“I think we’re pretty good at pushing the up-tempo, but I’d like to see better decision-making in that up-tempo approach.”
