Pioneers Battle Shorthanded Against Ottawa University

By Daniel Morales

Despite fielding a roster of just seven active players due to ongoing injuries, the Pacific Union College women's basketball team showed grit and determination in Wednesday's 91–45 loss to Ottawa University (AZ) at PUC's Covered Wagon.

The Pioneers fought hard, with senior guard Aaliyah Gaitan leading the way offensively. Gaitan scored 13 points on an efficient 5-for-9 shooting performance, including three makes from beyond the arc. Krystal Pineda provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and a perfect 5-for-8 from the field, while forward Mataya Amen-Sherman contributed across the board with 9 points and a team-high 8 rebounds.

In spite of facing a deep and balanced Ottawa lineup that featured five double-figure scorers, the Pioneers continued to compete on every possession. Kaia Miller added 9 points and Stephanie Zuniga dished out a team leading 7 assists while playing all 40 minutes.

"We're asking a lot from this group right now, and they continue to respond with effort and heart. We'll keep building from the positives we saw tonight." Said assistant coach John Shriver, who led the managerial duties as Landon Banks is in Alaska with the men's team for their contest against the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The Pioneers (0–2) will look to regroup as they prepare for their next matchups taking place at the Simpson University Tournament on November 14 and 15.