Victory at home

The power of a home-court advantage and impressive scoring from senior guard Claire Faucher gave the Vikings the edge they needed to earn a much-needed 62-56 victory last night at the Stott over UC Santa Barbara, breaking a five-game losing streak.

The game began slowly for the Vikings, but with aggressive defense and clean shots they brought home a win. After the lead changed back and forth during the first half, the Gauchos turned a one-point lead at the break into a 10-point gap halfway through the second.

Not to be intimidated, the Vikings (3-5) pulled ahead with three minutes left and kept off the Gauchos to the end. UCSB played strong defense, but the Vikings brought the offense to match.

Faucher, named All-Conference last weekend in Eugene, proved herself against UCSB by not only leading in points, with 23, but also with six steals and four assists.

“I never focus more on shooting or passing,” she said. “I try and focus on what the defense is giving me… Most of my points are in the second half—in the first half I’m trying to get my team on the ball.”

Senior forward Erin Yankus posted the second-highest points with 10, and on defense junior forward Kelli Valentine and sophomore center Katy Wade were big contributors, both putting up five defensive rebounds.
After the longest losing streak under head coach Sherri Murrell, the team was ready for a win.

“I hate losing, and five in a row—that was rough,” said Faucher, before adding “We’re back on a winning streak.”