The Fresno City College women’s basketball team clinched the Central Valley conference on Feb. 1 with a 93-56 victory against Taft.
The Rams struggled in the first half, but they managed to stay focused and overcome their struggles. A strong defense led to easy points for the Rams. Their offense also clicked as they shot 50 percent from the floor.
  Since then the Rams have defeated the College of the Sequoias and Merced to improve their conference record to 8-0.
    With Two home games left in the Central Valley Conference, FCC is ranked No.1 in the conference and No. 6 in the state.
  The Rams feel optimistic about their chances to win the state title as they are led by sophomores Nicole Chapple, Tabitha Torres as well as twins Taryn and Sarina Sayama.
  Chapple says the key to the team’s success is taking it one day at a time. She also emphasizes the role of each player. “Everyone can be a leader,”said Chapple
  Going into the state tournament, the Rams plan to play their hearts out every game while staying out of foul trouble.  
  This year’s state tournament will be a challenge as the Rams will have to face teams such as the No.1 ranked Venture Pirates, last year’s runner up City college of San Fransisco, and current State Champions Santa Rosa bear cubs.
   The Rams will also be preparing for players such as Santa Rosa’s 5-foot-6 inch sophomore guard Jen Tsurumoto and Venture’s 6-foot-1 inch forward Destine LaFountain.
Tsurumoto is the fourth leading scorer in her conference with 14 points per game, while LaFountain averages 12 points per game. LaFountain averaged a double double and had a career high of 25 rebounds in a single game her freshman season. She also racked up 80 blocks and 30 steals last season.
In the meantime, the Rams hope to finish their conference undefeated. Their next two games are against Porterville and Reedley.