By Jeremy Dent-Smith, Sports Editor
The Toro women’s basketball team struggled to find their rhythm last season, finishing with a 14-14 record. For a program that went all the way to the Sweet Sixteen in 2023, a .500 record fell short of the expectations the Toros had set for themselves in 2024.
But that’s all in the past. At 10-0, the Toros are currently undefeated – and the team is just getting warmed up.
The Toros opened CCAA play on Nov. 24 against CSULA, defeating the Golden Eagles 75-52. Since then, the team has strong showings against CSU-Monterey Bay and Stanislaus State. The Toros also notched double-digit victories against teams like Dominican, Western Oregon, and Northern State University.
Women’s head coach John Bonner told The Bulletin the team must continue to rely on each other if they hope to continue their winning ways.
“I’m most proud of our team chemistry and how intentional our team has been with one another. The time they invest in each other pays dividends on the court.” Bonner said. “Once a person knows that you care, they are willing to go that extra mile for you; and they do a great job of caring for one another.”
The CCAA this season “is a beast,” Bonner said, so the Toros need to take the road back to the NCAA Div. II Championship tournament one game at a time.
“We are a confident group that understands we have to earn everything that we want,” Bonner said. “If we can keep that at the forefront of our minds, then good things should follow.”
The players share Bonner’s confidence, and the wins so far have them feeling that something special is brewing for the team this year. Junior guard Nala Williams helped the team claim the CCAA and NCAA West Region championships in 2023. Williams said she hopes their past tournament experience will pay off come March.
“Being part of a winning team is a huge blessing,” Williams said. “Constantly being around individuals who are pushing you to be the best version of yourself is the special thing about this team, and it’s translating to our success on the court.”
Although Toros have demonstrated offensive prowess thus far, the team knows they must continue to stay tight defensively. For sophomore guard Zanna Hurst, success will come down to the team’s ability to support each other, no matter what the season throws at them.
“Some of our goals consist of wanting to be the best we can be, from chemistry to us playing defensively.” Hurst said. “With our chemistry, if we can lean on each other throughout this long season, we will achieve all of the goals we set for ourselves.”
