Portland State women’s basketball off to slow start

The PSU women’s basketball team is off to a very slow start this season as they have yet to win a game. The Vikings are having a very tough time with their win-loss record 0f 0-2 so far in the season. The Vikings’ game seemed to be a little better during their exhibition games.

In the team’s first exhibition game, they had a very incredible win against Western Oregon University with a score of 74-48. They also performed valiantly against P & P Lady Express and lost by eight points (68- 60). Viking fans could assume that by the end of the exhibition games, the Vikings were showing a lot of promise and a lot of skill.

However, the Viks seem to be losing their touch as of late after opening up the regular season with no wins on under their caps.

This Sunday, the Vikings gave up 13 straight points in overtime to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif. The Vikings and the Mustangs played a very good game against each other and tied at the end of the second half, 63-63. The Vikings could not stop the mustangs, however, as they beat the them in overtime 75-63.

The Vikings had the advantage over the Mustangs during the beginning of the game. The Vikings led the mustangs 30-23 at the end of the first half. However, they let victory slip out of their grasp as the second half progressed. The Vikings looked like a different team in the second half as they obtained 32 total turnovers and 26 personal fouls.

Junior guard Heidi Stuart and senior forward Sarah Hedgepeth fouled out of the game in overtime, which helped in the Mustangs’ win. This defeat left a very bitter taste in the mouths of the women’s basketball team and Viking fans alike.

With that loss in addition to their loss in Moscow against Idaho (79 – 66), the Vikings look like they need to practice team coordination.

The Vikings are going to be their own worst enemy if they do not utilize the combined skills that they have and work together. The problems that have arisen with the Vikings so far are the amount of turnovers and personal fouls they are receiving. The Vikings need to become a bit more organized if they wish to win a Big Sky championship later on down the line. Last season, the Vikings had a disappointing overall win-loss record (13-15).

If the Vikings hope to beat that record this year, then it will take a lot of hard work and practicing to make it to a Big Sky championship. However, one cannot count the Viks out just yet because of two games. They are still in the beginning of the season and these losses might just be the kick in the behind that they need in order to perform more effectively.

The Viks have time to practice and hustle before their next game this Friday against Army’s women’s team in Fairbanks, Alaska, for the North Star Invitational. Army has been undefeated this season and is presenting a very big challenge for the Vikings.

If the Vikings are able to defeat Army, then they may get a boost knowing that they beat the undefeated streak of the Army. If they lose, then they will return home with yet another loss that might take down their morale.