FOUR ON THE FLOOR

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season at Caltech on Tuesday night in Pasadena, fighting through extreme adversity with just five available players before finishing the game with four.

The Warriors led by eight at halftime and showed resilience throughout a 60–50 loss at Braun Athletic Center.

Head coach Andre Wallace said his team knew the challenge going in but refused to back down.

"We knew that this was going to be a challenge when we decided to move forward with the game," Wallace said. "Having only five players available for tipoff presented its own obstacles beyond the extremely limited margins for error on the floor."

Wallace praised his players for their toughness and unity.

"I first want to comment and thank each of our ladies for how hard they played, their effort and having an in-spite-of-the-circumstances attitude and mentality," he said. "What they did tonight for each other, our program, and coaching staff says a lot about their commitment.

"They were resilient."

The Warriors led 29–21 at halftime and hung in until fatigue began to take its toll.

"We felt our five was better than their six, and the goal was for us to understand that we had to win all key categories, including turnover margins, free throw margins, and taking away possessions from Caltech by forcing turnovers and keeping them out of the paint," Wallace said. "We failed at doing the above. We also let fatigue take us out of principles into compromise and comfort, and it defeated us tonight."

Wallace noted that the team has been adjusting to significant roster challenges, including injuries and eligibility delays.

"We went into this game not knowing if we would have five student-athletes," he said. "We went into this game with four season-ending injuries to key players and two others being evaluated for potential season-ending injuries. We spent the last few practices installing completely different play options, moving the remaining personnel into roles and positions they don't normally play. This can sound like an excuse, but I'm not in that business."

Despite the adversity, Wallace said his team's spirit and identity remain intact.

"Anyone who has played us knows that we don't duck competition," he said. "We have one of the most difficult and diverse offenses to try and guard, as well as one of the most aggressive and technically sound defenses to play against."

Wallace said the team's goal now is to regroup and build forward.

"Tonight we had to value possessions, reverse the ball, and create single-side closeouts, draw fouls, and play within the structure that we reviewed over the last three practices," he said. "Unfortunately, we couldn't sustain consistency in those areas while also not defending in our principles. Credit to Caltech."

Senior guard Valeria Brewer led Westcliff with 15 points and four steals, while junior Maria Serrano added 12 points and three assists. Junior Natalie Derla scored 10 points with six rebounds, and sophomore Janna Dauer hauled in 18 boards to anchor the interior.

Westcliff will now gear up a Halloween afternoon contest at Pepperdine.

Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.