The Biola Eagles women’s basketball team fell to Vanguard University at the home game on December 3, 2011. The final score was 65-39. | Tyler Otte/THE CHIMES

Eagles lose to Vanguard 65-39

The Biola women’s basketball team fell short early on in the game on Friday, Dec. 3 at Chase Gymnasium as they lost 65-39 to Vanguard University for their first loss against a Golden State Athletic Conference foe.

Biola kept the game close early in the first period as senior Charrise Reece helped tie the game at 17-17. But Vanguard’s Alison Drennan’s 3-pointer gave them the lead with 9:32 left in the first period.

Head coach Bethany Miller said that Vanguard’s shooting, especially their shooting from 3-point range, was what the difference maker in the game.

The first half ended 39-23.

Head coach Bethany Miller said. “There was a crucial time in the game where they made a run and we didn’t answer back with composure and with discipline — instead, we weren’t able to find that rhythm again.”

Strong second half from Lions seals the victory

The Lions came out strong, taking control of the second half as they shut down the Eagles by keeping a lead of more than 16 points the entire half.

“They kept running this play where they had their shooting guards ready in the corner each time, so we did not know how to respond and guard them,” sophomore Adijat Adams said.

Good shooting is key in Vanguard’s win

The Lions managed to make 40 percent of their shots, thanks to Trisha Goddard who scored 16 points and Drennan who added 14. Biola freshman Chelsea Hill led her team with nine points while Adams added another eight, however, the Eagles were unable to close in on the Lions throughout the game. And it was Vanguard’s Alison Burns that ended the defeat with a jumper in the last 57 seconds of the game.

“We came out hard and they came out hard too,” Adams said. “But once we had a lapse in the defense it was really hard to stay focused in the offense. It was hard for us to shake off our mistakes too.”
This loss has dropped Biola’s record from sharing a record of 5-1 with Vanguard improving to 5-2.

“We will continue to work on our team defense communication,” Miller said after the loss. “There were definitely some good things and some things that we’ll take to practice to work on.”

The Eagles play their next conference game in Santa Clarita, Calif. against The Master’s College at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.