Women's Hoops Blog with Kari Luttinen
Entry #4
Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014

Happy New Year Pilot Fans!
 
I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Christmas as well as New Year celebration! It's hard to believe that it's already 2014 and that a new year is upon us. We Pilots haven't had much of a chance for rest, as we are already two games into WCC play! So, I am excited to update you on all that has been going on during the past weeks.
 
Coming into our four-day Christmas vacation, we began break with a nice victory against our cross-town rivals, the Portland State Vikings. After falling to them two times last season, it was definitely satisfying to pull out the win in a 76-49 match-up. AND it made Christmas much more enjoyable for the team and I'm sure the coaches as well. Everyone seemed to have a relaxing Christmas with families and friends, but we soon returned back to Portland on the 26th to begin preparing for conference play! The WCC looks very strong and competitive this year, making every game a challenge. The conference is continuing to grow stronger and stronger, and of course there are never any guaranteed wins on the schedule.
 
After practice on the 26th, it was already time to head down to the Bay Area to face both the University of the Pacific, a team new to the WCC this year, as well as the Saint Mary's College Gaels. Being on the road, we Pilots always keep things fun and exciting on the plane. Here are some of my teammates' airplane activities they use to pass time!
 
Amy is a committed supporter to the Alaska Airlines zesty snack mix. Caught her in the act:


 
Philly catches up on some light reading, "Understanding Pathophysiology":


 
JJ focuses on her Solitaire game:


 
Stockton, California was our first stop on the road trip, as we made the bus trip after flying into Oakland. It was an exciting, back-and-forth battle, but we clutched to the win with a 73-65 victory. Our scoring was led by my girl JW, who posted a career-high and ballin game-high of 36 points. It was more of the same for CB, who recorded a career-high of 12 rebounds on the game. YEAHHHH! Needless to say, it was a very fun and exciting game to play in, AND both friends and family came out to support. Redshirt junior Erin Boettcher, home to the Bay Area, had her family out to support. Ali Ryan's mom, as well as Lexi's parents and Sarah's family (all the way from ROME!!) came out to cheer on the Pilots! After a great win, we were rewarded with a team movie night. WOOOHOOO! We went out to go see the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. As an experienced movie critic myself, I would give it a B. Not amazing, but still entertaining.
 
Anyway, back to business. The next morning we were off to Moraga to face the Gaels. Unfortunately Jazmyn Johnson (J.J.), Hannah, as well as Coach Sollars came down with the flu in Stockton. They joined us the next day, however, but I am pleased to report that they are feeling better and were all ready to go on game day.


A hard fought game by the Pilots, but we were outlasted by a late second-half run by Saint Mary's and eventually lost 80-65. After a loss, we always remember that we are either winning or learning. There are definitely aspects of the game, which we will review on film and work on to fine tune and improve upon.
 
Looking ahead, we have a string of home WCC games! What an awesome opportunity to head out to The Bluff and see some great basketball, am I right?! Friday January 3rd we face the Gonzaga Bulldogs, then next week we play both San Diego as well as BYU. All great competition, which makes us even more stoked for these next few games. We would love to see you out to the Chiles Center this week! It's a 7 p.m. tip-off versus Gonzaga! Happy New Year!
 
-Kar

Previous Entries
- Entry #1 (Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2013)
- Entry #2 (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2013)
- Entry #3 (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013)