SAN MARCOS, Calif. – In many ways, Saturday's second round game against Palomar College looked like a normal Santa Barbara City College game.
The Vaqueros recorded more blocks, steals, and assists than their opponent. However, the key statistics told a different story, as the Comets outrebounded SBCC 49-43 and limited the Vaqueros to just two made 3-pointers in a 79-61 defeat.
Perhaps the most striking statistic was Kaylee Bosetti being held scoreless and fouling out—both firsts for her this season.
The season ended in a physical game – punctuated by conference Defensive Player of the Year Kalee Lawson slamming her head on the court in the first half and fouling out in the fourth quarter. Yet, the loss is not an end to the Vaqueros' story.
"The lesson is to always stay in the moment, be in the moment and basketball is about lessons," said head coach Sandrine Krul. "This team learned a lot of really good lessons and they were a joy to coach. They brought the joy back to coaching for me, which was amazing."
Even as the game wound down and whistles disrupted the flow in the closing minutes, the Vaqueros fought until the final buzzer. Isis Poteet scored five of her team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, while Kenedy Nutter added four of her six points late. Amarise Camargo also knocked down a 3-pointer in the final stretch.
"This team has shown tenacity and composure all season and tonight's battle was no different," said Athletic Director LaDean Hansten. "We are very proud of our Vaqs."
The final game of the season might have been a bit of an anomaly – not to take away anything from the effort by Palomar who will take on Moorpark in the the third round of the SoCal Regionals – with many shots taking an unforgiving bounce off the rim.
A great joy for many student-athletes is the friendships and memories they create through their time together. This Vaqueros team, through their hard work and enthusiasm on the court, created great memories for family, fans, students and staff.
