Micah Della Foresta is a third-year guard on the Cascades’ men’s basketball team (MBB).
At the end of the third week of November, the UFV women’s basketball team (WBB) split a two-game series with the Victoria Vikes, maintaining their second-place position in the Pacific Division of Canada West. The Cascades sit one game behind the UBC Thunderbirds, who were ranked fifth in Canada at 7-1 this season.
The weekend presented challenging defensive assignments that tested the Cascades’ adaptability on the fly. Victoria’s team, led by 6’3” Tana Pankratz and 6’4” Abigail Becker, posed serious problems for UFV’s defence.
Pairing her size with a flexible scoring ability, Pankratz, who averaged 17.5 points over the two games, presented a serious threat. “Her shot pocket is just so high,” Nikki Cabuco said, noting the challenge of matching up against such a dynamic player at that height.
Also imposing with her inside presence was Becker, who scored 12 points on Friday and 19 points on Saturday, applying consistent pressure on the rim and creating prime opportunities for the Vikes to score. Becker, combined with Pankratz, helped the Vikes stretch the floor and maintain favourable matchups throughout both games.
Despite the dynamic capabilities of Victoria’s key players, the Cascades adjusted well, limiting the rest of the supporting cast. Their response to the loss on Friday reflected the team’s more general focus: to be reactive, strategic, and fiercely competitive.
“When we’re a solid defensive team; we’re pretty tough,” Cabuco observed. “It’s about being able to modify, control the pace, and build our offence from defensive steals.”
A weekend that encapsulated the team’s growing confidence and defensive tenacity was demonstrated by Cabuco, who emerged as a crucial offensive spark in Friday’s tough 71-67 loss and Saturday’s 68-62 redemption. Her teammates’ unwavering support has been monumental, creating an environment where she feels empowered to take critical shots.
Cabuco’s increased scoring has been a departure from previous seasons, and has become a new hallmark of her game.
“Last year, I wasn’t happy with my performance,” the fifth-year guard said frankly. “This season, I wanted to make distinct marks at UFV, and finding my enthusiasm for the game once more this weekend was evidence of what I worked on all summer.”
Cabuco understands the delicate psychology of scoring, recognizing that her most effective moments come when she’s liberated from overthinking.
“I shoot the ball well when I’m not thinking,” she admitted.
Her production mirrored her ambitions, with her three-point shooting proving especially effective, hitting five three-point shots in each game.
Cabuco’s evolution isn’t just a personal feat, but a testament to the team’s chemistry — where one player’s confidence can elevate an entire squad’s performance. Cabuco’s runs had a clear effect on team morale and pushed the tempo when the team needed it the most.
“In some ways, we need me to be big down the stretch,” Cabuco said, signalling her recognition of her evolving role.
Outside of Maddy Gobeil and Deanna & Julia Tuchscherer, who made their usual considerable contributions, Esther Allison came up big, averaging 13.5 points on the series along with two steals in each contest. The series underlined the team’s depth and adaptability.
“We are building to find the best versions of ourselves,” Cabuco said.
The following Friday, the Cascades travelled to Langley, where the Trinity Western Spartans, who typically play their home matchups five kilometres away at the Langley Events Centre, were waiting for them at the on-campus David E. Enarson Gymnasium — along with a rowdy crowd prepared with antics indicative of a cross-town rival matchup.
Despite a hard-fought battle, UFV was unable to recover from Trinity’s opening 24-14 quarter fuelled by their amped and energized student section, ultimately falling 62-70.
In a quick turn-around, the team travelled to Kelowna to face the UBC Okanagan Heat, where they swiftly took care of business, winning 63-40.
The team heads into the winter break 7-3 with intentions to remain at the top end of their division, seeking a home play-off game to start the Canada West play-offs come February.