Lauryn Nakamura, point guard on the Cerritos College women’s basketball team, finalized an end to the Falcons 14-game losing streak by making a free throw in the last four seconds of the game, securing the team’s 3-point lead and defeating El Camino College 53-50.

Nakamura ended the game with an impressive 15 points, three offensive rebounds, three defensive rebounds, one assist and four steals.

“I kept being a leader and I further helped my team win our shots and baskets. I want to keep my composure and make sure the other team can’t read me,” Nakamura said.

Head coach Trisha Kozlowski explained how injuries and her shrinking roster contributed to the team’s performance thus far.

“I had 11 girls on my roster, but one is sick who should be playing, and five more girls had season ending injuries. That’s just the cards that we’ve been dealt this year with injuries. It’s been an odd year,” Kozlowski said.

However, Kozlowski also said she’s proud of her girls for working hard and not giving up.

“It hasn’t been easy but that’s sports. You have to choose to work hard. You have to choose to grow resiliency. It’s a trait that makes you a better player and a better person,” Kozlowski said.

Dual-player Emily Gonzalez who plays both forward and center, displayed her resilience and hard work with her hustle and aggressiveness throughout the game.

“I always keep looking forward. I always focus on my form and where the basket is. Especially if I am contested, and there’s an open player near me,” Gonzalez said.

She also stated that she hopes this victory builds up the team’s chemistry. She said she wants her team to keep working together, and encouraging each other positively and to just keep hustling.

The Falcons overall record is 3-18 and 1-3 in conference play. The next conference match for the women’s team will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4 against Long Beach City College.