For the first time in program history, the Westmont women’s basketball program has broken into the top ten in the NAIA National Ratings. Listed at number 15 one week ago, the Warriors recorded victories over two ranked teams last week and improve to No. 10 this week.
After defeating #17 California Baptist on Tuesday by a score of 73-56, Westmont took to the road and picked up a 75-61 victory over #23 The Master’s.
The Warriors (12-1, 4-1 GSAC) won all eight of their non-conference games, losing only to Concordia in Irvine in the first Golden State Athletic Conference game of the season. Since then, they have won five in a row.
“I am excited for the recognition that this program has received for the work it has put in,” said Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. “Over the years, the players have worked incredibly hard to continually improve. I think you have seen that improvement come year by year.”
“We are now in a new position,” continued Moore. “We are the team with a target on our backs. We know we’ve got to expect every team’s best every night.”
The Warriors know they are in for a tough challenge this week. On Wednesday, Westmont will travel to La Mirada to take on traditional rival Biola, which is ranked at number 18. The Eagles (10-3, 3-2 GSAC) are 4-1 against ranked opponents this season. Most recently, Biola dispatched then fifth-ranked Azusa Pacific 61-56. On Saturday, Westmont will host #21 Point Loma Nazarene (10-4, 4-2).
“We know that on any given night in the GSAC, we are playing a team that can beat us,” said Moore. “We look forward to that because the challenge fuels us to be better. So we will continue to focus on improving and building on the great start that we have had.”
The GSAC boasts six ranked teams with a seventh receiving votes in the national poll. Currently, Westmont is in second place in the conference standings, one game behind #2 Vanguard (12-2, 5-0 GSAC), the reigning national champions. Just a half-game back in third place is Point Loma Nazarene. Biola, #25 The Master’s and Concordia are all tied for fourth place at 3-2 in conference, just one game behind the Warriors.
