The Slugs lost both games by an average of 17 and a half points. In their first game of the weekend, the Slugs started strong before losing 57–40 to George Fox on Saturday, while the second game saw the Slugs lose 70–52 to Puget Sound on Sunday.
The Slugs beat Puget Sound University 63–52 in the team’s season opener on the Logger’s home floor in Tacoma, Washington. Their victory kicked off an early season winning streak with the Slugs winning by an average of 26 points over their first four games, which came to an end with the Slugs’ weekend losses.
Parrish said the team is talented but needs to change their mindset to return to their winning ways.
“Our only adjustment needs to be mental focus,” Parrish said. “We are athletic, but when we’re not focused, none of that matters and we get beat.”
The Slugs showed strong defensive awareness through the weekend, but found trouble scoring. Forward Sarah Mackey scored 11 points in both games combined, well below her team leading season average of 12.2 points per game. The team’s scoring woes were not limited to Mackey, as no Slug scored over 11 points in either game.
“Offensively, we were not converting our shots into makes like we usually do,” said Slugs guard Amanda Spence. “Part of that is due to the fact that our shots seemed rushed, which is why we are focusing on getting our shots off quicker.”
The Slugs defense continues to frustrate opposing teams, causing a combined 31 turnovers in both games. Puget Sound University responded by running up the court more often, tiring out the Slugs who were playing their second game within 48 hours.
“Their defense is rough,” said Puget Sound University guard Lindsay Layland. “We had to beat them in transition because we were turning the ball over so much in the half court.”
Spence said their continually strong defensive performances are due to the team’s attitude.
“We have very quick and aggressive defenders that can make our opponent’s point guards nervous and quick to pick up their dribble,” Spence said.
While the losses were not how the team intended to open play at the West Field House, Spence said, the Slugs will look to rebound the next time they play when school is in session. Parrish fosters great hopes for the team.
“Our expectations for this season include winning more than half of our games as well as making the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time in school history,” Parrish said. “With the team and work ethic we have this year, we expect nothing less.”
