In between games on a California road trip Tuesday the Hawaii Pacific University women’s basketball team took time out after practice to admire the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is not the only memorable view the Sharks enjoy these days as they sit atop the PacWest Conference standings with a school-record 17-game winning streak.
At 21-2 overall and 15-1 in conference entering tonight’s game at Notre Dame de Namur, the Sharks have clinched a first-round bye in next month’s conference tournament.
Yet to hear head coach Reid Takatsuka tell it, there is more reflection on one that got away — their last loss nearly two and a half months ago — than their remarkable run thereafter.
“It (the 62-57 loss Dec. 2 to Concordia of Irvine, Calif.) is something that we refer to occasionally,” Takatsuka said. “It was a game that was significant, helping us to focus on the goals that we had set. It was significant because it helped us to understand where we came from and where we were headed.”
The only other loss was 82-74 to fourth-ranked Alaska Anchorage in a November tournment.
Takatsuka termed the Concordia defeat, “A turning point. It was one of those close games that is hard to lose and we were going through some growing pains adjusting to different lineups and different roles, and after that we just came together.”
He said, “The loss motivated (us) to understand that we have to do more, that we weren’t doing enough (to win). That’s why it was impactful for us.”
It has been a remarkable spurt for a team that was picked to finish fourth in the conference by a vote of PacWest coaches. Doubly so when you consider that it was made with the idea that Breanna Mackenzie, a preseason all-conference pick and leading returning scorer, would be leading them.
But a hip injury has turned this into a redshirt season for Mackenzie and HPU also lost Brittany Allen for personal reasons. The Sharks, however, have picked up the slack as a team. There is no single star and very little magic. Instead, it is across-the-board performance, with six players averaging 8.2 to 12.6 points a game. Collectively, they play solid defense and good, fundamental basketball.
Janessa Manzano (12.6) leads in scoring, Jessi Reeves is the top rebounder (7.2 per game), while Spencer Gray (3.4) leads in assists and Jessica Harley has the most blocks (23).
The Sharks rank in the top 20 nationally among 301 Division II members in assists, turnover ratio, field-goal percentage and field-goal percentage defense.
Takatsuka said, “The streak first came to mind when our sports information director (Bill Powers) mentioned it in an article. Since then the number has gone up, lucky number 13, then 14, 15…”
“But, to be honest the streak doesn’t motivate us to win more games or to play harder. I think the key is staying consistent and doing what we normally do. If the streak ends, it ends. But the (players) have done a great job of embracing the season and working to take a step forward each week.”
Takatsuka said, “Obviously, as a coach, you know what kind of potential you have, but I don’t know that you can ever envision 17 (victories) in a row.”
At this point, the Sharks are just enjoying their lofty view.
Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.
