Oakland – The Laney College women’s basketball team were met with a roaring crowd for their first home game of the season Friday night.
The game marked one week since the death of Laney Athletic Director John Beam.
Laney’s interim president, Becky Opsata, opened the game by addressing the crowd and leading a moment of silence to commemorate Beam’s life and memory.
“You being here tonight honors him,” Opsata said. “He would be happy to see you.”
After the tipoff, the crowd erupted as both teams hit the hardwood in a back-and-forth physical defensive contest.
Attendees from across the Peralta community came to support the Eagles with homemade signs and loud energy.
In the audience was Alyssa Arnold, the director of Laney’s Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program. Arnold said that she found out about the game when a colleague of hers from the MESA program reached out to her to help organize a show of support.
Arnold, alongside staff and students from the MESA program, proudly held their signs and passed around ribbons for the crowd to wave, creating a sea of bright Laney green.
Justin Mora, a secretary for the Associated Students of Laney College, went to the game with other members of student government. He said that he decided to go to the game to support the college that’s helped him throughout his educational journey.
Mora said he doesn’t know much about basketball but he believes the Eagles can “fight” through any adversity, on or off the court.
“I love it when Laney gets together and gets to be Laney,” Mora said. “I’m glad to see us all here.”
The Eagles lost 67-60 against out-of-division opponent Folsom Lake College Falcons, who currently sit atop in their division with a 7-0 record.
Despite the final result, the Eagles aren’t letting the loss deter them.
After the game, Assistant Coach Rebecca Harris said that the team appreciates the support, “especially right now.”
“It’s hard right now,” Harris said. “But we’re trying to be a bright spot for the community.”
Harris said that the team “played hard in spurts,” but were unable to sustain that energy throughout the game. Harris considered the loss to be a “big test” for the team and shared her hope that the Eagles can use the loss as a learning experience moving forward.
Eagles shooting guard Lindsey Wirgler believes in the talent on the team, but felt that they underperformed.
“I love [the support from fans],” Wirgler said, “but I feel like we let them down.”
Eagles forward Ehinomen Iselen thought the audience turnout highlighted the strength of Laney and Oakland’s communities. Iselen hopes to get the opportunity to play Folsom Lake again so the Eagles can compete “ten times harder.”
Friday’s face-off was the first home game for the Eagles this season, after a six game road trip to start the season. The Eagles are in third place in the Bay Valley conference with a 4-3 record.
The Eagles will play the Saddleback College Bobcats today at 12 p.m. at the Laney Gym.
(Dec. 1 1:00 p.m.) This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Lindsey Wirgler’s first name.
