The Dixie State University women’s basketball team boasted a four-game winning streak during the holiday break.
The team began the break with a 97-77 loss against California State University, Dominguez Hills Dec. 17 but redeemed itself with an 88-78 win over Western Oregon University the next day.
The team then went on to a three-game stretch in Hawaii, showing nothing but superiority on the court.
“I think we have definitely started the New Year off on the right foot,” said guard Taylor Maynes, a junior business major from Salome, Ariz. “Coming off of Christmas break and coming to Hawaii, we are starting to really come together on and off the court.”
DSU defeated University of Hawaii at Hilo 67-63 Jan. 2. This win made it the 1,000 win in history for Dixie State athletics since becoming a Division II in 2006.
“That was really great news that we received after our game to top off our win against Hilo,” Maynes said. “I would have to say that making history within the Dixie State women’s basketball program made that game my favorite thus far.”
During the Hilo game, junior guard Nanea Woods, and sophomore center Taylor Mann had double-doubles. Junior guard Kaylah Miller, senior guard Haley Holmstead, Woods and Mann all reached double figures in points.
“When we played Hilo we held them to a low 63 points, and our goal for each game is to hold our opponents to a 65,” said Miller, a communication major from San Diego. “Achieving that goal makes us believe we can do it every game for the rest of the season.”
The Storm went on to defeat Chaminade 93-69 while staying ahead the whole game.
“We played well as a team, hustled for loose balls, and rebounded extremely well,” Miller said. “Overall, it was a great game and a great win for us.”
The women kept their winning streak alive by defeating Hawaii Pacific University 88-84 Jan. 6.
The team feels like it is right where it needs to be at this point, but it still needs to improve.
“There is always room for improvement in all categories, but lately Coach Turner has had us really buckle down on our defense,” Maynes said. “With more practice, I think we will be able to stop any team in our conference; defense wins championships.”
With this being head coach Catherria Turner’s first year, there comes a new coaching system, and, with a four-game winning streak, the women are buying in.
There were definitely struggles at the beginning because of how tough her conditioning and practices are, but we have definitely adapted,” Miller said.
Miller said she loves the system Turner is running.
Turner is not afraid to get after the women about mistakes but encourages them to do better.
“It’s super motivational for me with the coaching style she has,” Miller said.
But that’s not the only thing that has brought the women success. The majority of the women, including the coaching staff, are new to the DSU basketball program, and the women are happy about the progress they have made together.
“I think we have done a great job…getting to know one another on and off the court, and that has helped us find success,” Maynes said.
Maynes said the players can only control what they do on the court. She said they are focused on improving as a team — not just individually.
“Everyone was having fun and playing together,” Miller said. “That just shows how good of a team we are and have the potential to be. When I’m having fun on the court with my teammates, it is literally the best feeling someone could have.”
The Storm play Azusa Pacific University Jan. 11 in the Burns Arena at 5 p.m.
