Girard Optimistic Despite Lady Toros’ Disappointing Finish

Van Girard, the third-year Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s basketball coach, could barely control his frustration as he watched the Lady Toros lose their final game of the season, 60-55, to Chapman College on Friday.

Girard, who is in charge of rebuilding a sagging program, is not used to losing. He was highly successful at Lynwood High, but his record at Dominguez Hills is 32-45.

The Lady Toros suffered a feast-to-famine season. Dominguez Hills entered California Collegiate Athletic Assn. play with a 13-3 record, its best nonconference record ever. But it won only two of 10 CCAA games, one less than last season when Girard was voted CCAA coach of the year.

But Dominguez Hills still had its best overall record and first winning season (15-11) since 1985.

“We’ve just got to keep getting better,” Girard said. “We’re working on it.”

Girard lost four players before the conference season began. Two suffered illnesses, one was suspended for disciplinary reasons and a fourth became academically ineligible.

Freshman three-point shooter Karee Bonde, who set a school record with 31 three-point field goals in only 12 games, returned after missing 14 games with a broken nose, but Dominguez Hills never regained its momentum.

Girard said the team has several areas it must improve. The Toros need another post player to spell Deone Vanlandingham, who finished second in the conference in rebounding (11.1).

Erika Manning, a forward at Orange Coast College who has signed to play at Dominguez Hills next season, is expected to make a big impact. She led the Orange Empire Conference in scoring and “can play inside or outside for us,” according to Girard.

Girard will also look to strengthen the Lady Toros’ preseason schedule to try and better prepare them for CCAA play. With only one player, guard Devon Akita, completing her eligibility, Girard predicts that Dominguez Hills should improve its CCAA standing next season.

“At least people know they can’t come in here and get an easy (win),” Girard said.