Women’s basketball competes in WNIT

The Toreros compete in tournament for the first time since 2015

Amara Brooks / Sports Editor / The USD Vista

On Thursday, Mar. 16, women’s basketball hosted Long Beach State for the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT). This marks the USD’s team’s first appearance since 2015, in which they also competed against Long Beach and won 63-56. In their last appearance, the Toreros lost to UCLA during the second round, ending their post season. 

USD first year Veronica Sheffey shared how the tournament allows the Toreros to continue playing during their offseason despite an early loss in Vegas in the first round of the WCC tournament.  

“It means a lot to be invited to the post season tournament,” Sheffey explained. “Unfortunately, we fell short of making it to the WCC tournament, but our hard work throughout the season has still paid off by being able to make it to this point. As a team, we are thankful that we are able to have this opportunity to continue our season and finish off strong.”

Students and families packed into the Jenny Craig Pavilion (JCP) to watch the opening round of the event. The Toreros put on an electrifying performance, dominating in both offense and defense for the entire game. The game maintained an upbeat back-and-forth momentum, as Long Beach crawled their way back every time the Toreros took the lead. By halftime, the Toreros managed to clinch the lead and went into the second half with a 31-29 lead. By the start of the fourth quarter — and with great performances from Ayanna Khalfani and Myah Pace — the Toreros quickly put the game out of reach. 

Khalfani added seven points to the board during the last quarter, and guard Pace put up an excellent three point shot and foul to tie the team over for the win. The Toreros eventually beat Long Beach with a 75-57 win and advanced to the second round of the tournament. This win marks the team’s eighth consecutive win against Long Beach State and now makes USD 7-1 all-time in WNIT first round games. 

USD senior Kasey Neubert was the one to watch, as she had a career high night, finishing with 18 points and 19 rebounds.Neubert’s 19 rebounds not only mark a career high, but they are also the single most rebounds by any Torero in a single game since 2015. Khalfani and redshirt senior Kiera Oakry had amazing games, both putting 15 points on the board. Khalfani finished the game with 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Oakry put up five assists and two steals.

USD sophomore Willie Allen attended the game against Long Beach and described his experience watching the women’s team.

“They are absolutely fire to watch every single game,” Allen shared. “I can’t always make it to every game, but the ones I do attend never disappoint. The energy the women’s team brings to every game is electric and I just love hyping up all the players and dancing along with the cheer and dance team.”

On Monday, Mar. 20, the Toreros hosted UC Irvine for the second round of the tournament. This was the first time the two teams have competed since December 2021, in which the Toreros won 75-64. 

As the past two games were hosted at home in the JCP , the USD community cheered them on during the games. Sheffey explained how a full stadium helps the team during the game. 

“It goes a long way if students just simply show up and fill the stands,” Sheffey said. “Having that support and extra energy in the gym is very helpful and makes the game more exciting.”

At the start of the game, the ball was active on the Anteaters offensive, forcing the Toreros to stay alert on the defensive end. Oakry added five points in the first quarter, generating a quick switch to the Toreros offense, as Pace hit a three pointer to push the Toreros into the lead by 10 points. By the end of the second quarter, the Anteaters took the lead, until first year guard Kylie Horstmeyer hit an unlikely half court buzzer beater, which put the Toreros at a 24-16 lead by halftime. 

The Toreros kept the lead during the fourth quarter and took a 16-point lead, holding it for the rest of the game. The team defeated UC Irvine 58-48 and advanced to the WNIT Super 16 for the fourth time in program history. The Toreros will travel to Eugene, Oregon on Mar. 23 where they will compete against Oregon. This will be the first time the two teams will compete.