Soloist Aretha Franklin sings a song entitled “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”
In the Cal State Bakersfield’s rookie season for women’s basketball, CSUB not only earned respect in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, but respect all over the country.
The accomplished what no other collegiate team has done, making the playoffs in their first season of existence. They lost there to Alaska-Fairbanks in the first round of the post season, however. After demonstrating a competitiveness and scrappy play, and after producing the Coach of the year in Greg Bruce, the CCAA player of the year in senior Audrie “The Touch” Magdaleno, and two first team All-CCAA players in Magdaleno and senior Amanda Baker, the question now is, “What will happen next season?”
“Obviously, it was an exciting season. We made the playoffs,” said Jennifer Altman, assistant coach. “Right now our efforts are focused on finding players who will contribute to a strong tradition already established.”
“It was a surprise,” Magdaleno said, who also plans to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association. “If it weren’t for my teammates, I don’t think I would have accomplished this feat. This is a plus. It was sad to end the season with a loss.”
All season, the Runners played an up-tempo style of play to get easy scores and kept the opponents’ defense staggering. In their offensive half court sets, CSUB moved the ball effectively, and hit many open perimeter shots. As a result, CSUB averaged 75 points per game, only allowing their opponents to average 63 points.
“Under Coach Bruces’ system, you can expect to see a lot of points scored. He likes a running game, and taking lots of shots. It makes an exciting game to watch, play, and coach,” Altman said.
Returning to action for next season for the Runners will be Bonnie Johnson, the inside play of Nicole Codd, April Young, the perimeter shooting of Kjell Stoddard and Michele Quigley, Rachel McArthur, Jill Blancada and forwards Jennifer Hansen, Jessica Saunders, and Kelly Kelley.
Runner@csubak.edu