The DVC women’s basketball team took on an undefeated rival in Santa Rosa Junior College on Friday, Jan. 24, losing 87-94 in their sixth Big-8 conference game.

With the Vikings fresh off of a win against Sacramento City College, they showed promise coming into Friday’s game. But Santa Rosa came out with a head of steam going up by 20 points early in the first half. DVC started out very slow and sloppy — missing shots, committing fouls and having a few senseless turnovers that brought Santa Rosa to such a big lead.

Coach Ramaundo Vaughn spoke about the team’s slow start to the game.

“…I think the slow start is what killed us,” Vaughn said. “You can’t expect to play against a good team and go down 22 points and win.” Although the Vikings got off on the wrong foot, those ladies were not going without a fight, cutting the lead down right before the half.

DVC did have a tough time keeping SRJC’s top scorer down however, allowing 51 points from the one scorer alone.

Starting forward Ashley Grainer explained, “…We lost the game due to the fact that we let #30, their best player, double her average of 25 points-per-game by allowing her to get 51. We didn’t shut her down.”  Grainer harped on the teams’ slow start saying “We have to come out with full energy, and not start so relaxed.”

During the second half, the Vikings kept their momentum from the end of halftime and came out blazing. Julia Alexander was on fire from the 3-point line, ending the night with a total of six three pointers, and 20 points total.

“…I think this will have a positive impact on the rest of the season, we’ve lost a couple games and have grown from each one,” Alexander said.

Despite their efforts the Bear Cubs were just too tough an opponent to be able to make a comeback on after an early deficit. Santa Rosa maintained a lead and never looked back. The Vikings are now 13-8 overall and 2-4 in conferences with the next game on Tuesday Feb. 4, at Modesto City College. A game that coach Vaughn feels DVC should win.