Solano takes fourth at opening tournament

The Falcons dropped the final two games of the Santa Ana/Orange Coast Tip-Off tournament, losing 71-43 to Grossmont on Saturday and 81-50 to Orange Coast College on Sunday in the third place game.

Sophomore Veronica Morris had 12 points and seven rebounds against Grossmont while Bree Domingo, also a sophomore, added 10 points, four assists and four rebounds in the loss.

In the game against Orange Coast College on Sunday, Veronica had 13 points, sophomore Soroya Blunt had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Bree had six points and three assists.

Solano (1-2) will return to practice this week before opening the Tom Gilcrest Invitational at College of Sequoias in Visalia on Thursday against Mt. San Antonio College. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. at Central Valley Christian High School. Solano has another tough test ahead in facing Mt. SAC, the four-time state champion.

Falcons open season with a win

Solano opened the 2009-10 season with an 83-72 victory over Santa Ana  in the first round of the Santa Ana/Orange Coast Classic on Friday. Solano’s sophomores made a huge statement with six of the seven contributing on offense. The Falcons were tied with host Santa Ana at half but broke the game open in the second half with solid three-point shooting and tight defense. SCC (1-0) takes on Grossmont in the semifinals on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Crystal Lee had an impressive debut with the Falcons, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Soroya Blunt, a returning all-BVC player from a year ago, added 16 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Veronica Morris (12 points), Goli Tavassoli (10 points) and Ashley Daniels (10 points) all played big roles.

Sophomore Bree Domingo, who is attempting to break Solano’s all-time career assist record, had six assists in the victory.

“We were more disciplined in the second half and played a lot tighter defense in the second half,” said Solano coach Matt Borchert. “We had some really good sequences on defense in the second half that led to baskets. We also shot the ball real well.”

A dinner we’ll never forget

The Solano women’s basketball team was invited to SCC President Jowell Laguerre’s house for dinner on November 15 to celebrate the team’s second straight Bay Valley Conference championship. While some members of the team were unable to attend because of work and family commitments and illness, it was a night that those in attendance will never forget.

SCC President, Dr. Jowell Laguerre (center) and his wife Marie (far right), hosted the women's basketball team at their house for dinner to celebrate the team's second straight BVC championship.

The team ate traditional Haitian food prepared by Dr. Laguerre’s wife, Marie, and had the chance to bond with one another outside of the basketball court. Dr. Laguerre is a big basketball fan himself and had the chance to speak with the team about what positions they play, what numbers they wear (“Because when I come to your games, you won’t look the same as you look tonight,” he laughed.) and where they come from.

For Coach Matt and his wife, Angela, it was their second time visiting Dr. Laguerre’s house for dinner and for the second time, the Borcherts were extremely impressed with the Laguerres.

“I have been coaching community college women’s basketball for more than 20 years and I have never been invited over to the president’s house,” said Coach Matt as he thanked the Laguerres for their hospitality.

The team is looking forward to having Dr. Laguerre at their games this year as they try to bring home a third straight BVC championship!

First week of practice is successful

It seems like time is flying by – our first game is only one month away.  
However, I feel like if we keep up our dedication and hard work it will show out on the court. We just finished our first official week of practice and I am confident in this group of girls. We are all very upbeat and positive and I know that it truly does make a difference in
the way we play as a team. We can maintain a positive mindset and have fun with the game, but I know that all of these girls are determined to get the job done as soon as we step on the floor. The team has built a very strong chemistry both on and off the court and I think that is a major reason why we all work so well together. We know that no spot on the floor is guaranteed and that each of us, whether a freshman or sophomore, are going to have to compete with one another. Nonetheless, having that competition makes us work that much harder.
As an individual, I would like to improve a lot more on my defensive quickness. I understand where I need to be on the floor at what particular time, but being able to get there is a proving to be a personal challenge. However, by having such talented teammates on offense it has given me the opportunity every single day to improve.  
As a team, I would really like us to be more vocal on defense. If we can get inside our opponents’ heads and throw off their offense we can be very successful. I know when it comes time to getting it done, we will be ready to show what we’re all about.

–Bree Domingo

October Newsletter available

Check out the October newsletter by clicking on the “Newsletter” tab above. This month, you can get to know sophomore Allie Davison and read about the Hall of Fame banquet. Enjoy!

Falcons pass first test

Cooler weather provided a great backdrop as our players arrived at Solano bright and early at 6:45 this morning to run the mile. Each player must make their mile time (as determined by the coaching staff) to earn their jersey. I am pleased to report that for only the second time in my career at Solano the entire team made their mile time on the first try this morning. It was quite a feat and I am very proud of these girls for their mental toughness. Freshman Kari Sly turned in an impressive run of 5:52 while sophomore Crystal Lee and freshman Carmen Belser beat their times by almost one minute. Congratulations to the entire team! This gives us great momentum heading into our first official practice on Thursday!

Former Falcon honored

Congratulations to Robin Williams, the 15th former Solano women’s basketball player to be inducted into the SCC Athletic Hall of Fame. Robin suited up during the 1999-2000 and 2001-02 seasons. She was a member of the 2000 Bay Valley Conference championship team and was an all-conference selection as a sophomore. Robin is the co-record holder for best 3-point percentage in a game (.714) and holds the record for most blocks in a game (7). Robin was joined at the induction ceremony by her grandmother, who Robin thanked profusely for supporting her throughout her athletic career; and former teammates Jennifer Causey and Shannon Roberts. Coach Matt presented Robin with her No. 30 jersey from her playing days at Solano.

The entire Solano women’s basketball family congratulates Robin on this outstanding achievement!

Robin Williams, second from right, is joined by Coach Matt (far left), Solano president Jowel Laguerre, and Solano Athletic Director and Dean of Physical Education Bob Myers.

Fun Friday at Stars

The team enjoyed a few hours with one another at the bowling alley at Stars Recreation in Vacaville for Fun Friday.
The competition was fierce and it came down to the last frame to decide the winner.
Several players were in line to call themselves the best bowler on the 2009 team but it was sophomore Crystal Lee who will have bragging rights for the rest of the year.
Enjoy some photos from the day!

Falcons working hard

We have reached the end of the first week of conditioning and what a week it has been!

The girls are working really hard in and out of the gym and doing really well in the classroom so far. It can be tough for the players to go from summertime, where there’s no school and only two days of basketball a week, to having a full schedule of classes and basketball every day. But this group has adjusted very well and they are all taking responsibility for what’s going on in their lives.

We had our first Fun Friday today – we tried on our Adidas gear. Fun Fridays give the team something to look forward to every week as they work hard in the classroom and in basketball. I try to mix it up with fun activities that will give the team the chance to get to know one another and develop better relationships off the court. In the past, we have gone bowling, played mini golf and spent a few hours at Chuck E. Cheese (you’re never too old for Chuck E. Cheese!).

This has been a big week for me as well. The newest addition to my family, Amy, has been home for two weeks now and it’s been great to have my entire family under one roof. She’s a great baby, growing fast, and my oldest, Diana, is helping out a lot around the house.

We have a busy next couple months in our program with football concessions, fundraisers and the like. It’s an exciting time as our team starts to come together and get prepared for what hopes to be another successful season!

August Newsletter available

The August version of the Solano women’s basketball newsletter is now available to download! Read about the Falcons’ summer workouts, get to know sophomore Goli Tavassoli and much more! Click on the “newsletter” link above.