Flames Fall Short and Finish 1-2 in Nor. Cal.
Thursday, December 1st, 2016: With players out with injuries, the Flames prepared to play shorthanded with seven players for three back to back games once again.
The Flames started the three game road trip against William Jessup University. With a solid defensive effort, the Flames were able to keep the score manageable throughout every quarter; however, Rona Chavez's 6 three pointers gave the Warriors a comfortable lead. The Flames were able to cut the deficit to 6 at one point, outscoring the Warriors in the second quarter and finishing the half with a 39-33 score. Ultimately, the Flames were outrebounded 56 to 38 which sealed the win for Jessup down the stretch.
Adelina Vanaga led the team in scoring with 20 points while Taylor Smalley finished with a career-high 15 points and 6 rebounds. After Estela Gutierrez's 28 point game against WJU during the first match up in November, the Warriors ran a box-and-one during the game the second time around on Gutierrez and held her to a season-low 12 points.
Friday. December 2nd, 2016: Despite Cal Maritime having four players in double digits and Amberly Herrly's 29 point game with a remarkable 7 for 13 three-point shooting night, the Keelhaulers could not distinguish the Flames who were 32-38 from the free throw line and finished regulation with a 94-87 win.
All seven active players on the roster scored against Cal Maritime Academy with Estela Gutierrez leading the Flames with 27 points, 6 steals and shooting a perfect 11-11 from the free throw, while Adelina Vanaga added her first double-double 19 points; 11 rebounds, Taylor Smalley chipped in 12 points and 7 assists; as well as DQ Townsend's 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016: After playing two games back to back games, the Bethesda University women's basketball team showed up strong to play GSAC powerhouse Menlo College for the final game of the road trip. The Flames shot only 30 percent for the contest and dropped a 94-67 result to the Oaks.
While the final score was one-sided, the first quarter was anything but as each team held a lead in the frame. Ultimately, Menlo would regain the lead and take a 24-23 lead into the second quarter where they would do their damage. Menlo outscored the Flames 22-10 in the second frame and ignited what would be very impressive second and third quarter outcomes. While Bethesda outscored Menlo 20-17 in the final ten minutes, it was a too late as the Oaks picked up the victory.
Estela Gutierrez paced the Flames with another high scoring night of 26 points. Adelina Vanaga contributed with 18 points.
The Flames will play another neutral site game on Saturday, December 10th as Bethesda faces UC Merced at Saddleback College.