After going 10-5 in pre-season play, the Lady Bulldog basketball team opened conference play last night against Moorpark.
A driving force for the ’Dogs comes from sophomore Veronica Sua. The center has scored back-to-back career high points for Hancock; she averages 8.3 points and six rebounds per game.
Head coach Cary Narelli has known Sua since she played at St. Joseph High School.
“When I got the job at Hancock last April and learned she was on campus, I was excited because I knew she was a physical force in the post,” Narelli said.
In addition to her solid post presence, Sua is also strong in fielding balls off the backboard.
“She plays good defense, moves quickly, and anticipates well,” Narelli said.
Sua said she fell in love with basketball when her dad signed her up for it eight years ago. She also enjoys getting to be on the court with her teammates. Coming into this season, the sophomore said she was focused on doing whatever she could to help the team.
“I wanted to get better at making shots and work on my rebounds,” Sua said, adding that she gets embarrassed when she misses shots, but she is working on ignoring the crowd and focusing on her game.
She said she has gained more confidence since her freshmen year, and more stamina—both important skills for a center.
Of the team, Sua said, “We’re starting to have more chemistry in games. We’re starting to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
While her favorite victory was the ’Dogs towering 71-18 win over Hartnell College, Sua said their toughest competition will come from Cuesta College.
“We need to control our fouling troubles, play good defense, and play smart,” she said.
Sua’s brother, John, also played for Hancock basketball, before being recruited to Kansas State; The sophomore said her brother’s achievements have inspired her to reach for the same success.
Coach Narelli said Sua possesses the ability to move up.
“She has a lot to offer and has room to improve, but has a great work ethic,” Narelli said. “She is a pleasure to coach and makes it fun to come out to practice every day.”
This article appears in Jan 9-16, 2014.