Jaguars captain Malia Talavera shed tears before playing her last college basketball game on sophomore night.
SWC’s lone sophomore took to center court where she was embraced by family, coaches and teammates. Her supporters took turns presenting gifts.
It barely mattered that SWC was dusted by the Palomar Comets, 99-50.
Talavera’s last game at Southwestern could not damper fond memories.
“Being part of this family has been nothing but pure happiness,” she said, “I’ve gained new sisters. We’ve shared a lot of sweat, tears and arguments, but most importantly we shared love and laughter.
Talevera said she has played basketball since she was eight. In 2018, she led Olympian High School to a Division II CIF championship.
Head coach Janet Eleazar praised Talavera’s leadership.
“She took a lot on her shoulders because she knew the system,” Eleazar said. “She was like a coach on the court.”
Eleazar has coached Talavera since 2009 and said she has seen her mature as an athlete and person.
“She’s someone that I really care about and a team player overall,” Eleazar said.
The Jags started the game energized, using their disciplined dribbling to maneuver around the Comets’ man-to-man defense.
Palomar, however, quickly wore down Southwestern with a withering full-court press. This resulted in constant substitutions and erratic play.
Sophomore Nikki Mayoral led the Comets with 33 points. She scored 21 from beyond the three-point line.
Talavera led SWC with 15 points.
Assistant coach Louie Lingaza expressed optimism about the future with so many returning freshman, who learned so much from Talavera.
