By Jasmine Gonzalez |Staff Writer|

The Coyotes women’s basketball team is off to a great start for the 2014-2015 season with two wins in this years Disney Tip-Off Classic.

Last year, the season began with a four-game losing streak.

The Coyotes played against The University of Mary Marauders Nov. 14 and Cal Baptist Lancers Nov. 18.

The game was hosted by the Coyotes at the Coussoulis Arena and had 326 spectators in attendance.

The Coyotes played strong defense, allowing the Marauders to score only 13 points, and forcing 16 turnovers.

The Coyotes only allowed the Marauders to score 25 points off their 19 turnovers.

Mark Reinhiller, Associate Athletic Director reports, “Junior Chelsea Barnes scored a game-high 19 points in just 20 minutes of play.”

The Coyotes ended the game with a 72-58 win over the Marauders.

Last season, the Coyotes were defeated by the Lancers in an intense game, by a score of 64-65.

This season, the Coyotes finished the Disney Tip-Off Classic with their second win against the Lancers.

Reinhiller reports, “Coyotes grabbed the lead early against visiting Cal Baptist on Tuesday night and never let it go.”

The Coyotes finished the game strong, with a 76-57 victory over the Lancers.

Alexcia Mack finished the game with a strong stat line of 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Coyotes scored 32 points 18 points off turnovers, and 12 points off rebounds.

There is reason to believe the Coyotes are on their way to a successful season.

Coyotes have one more tournament before the regular season begins Friday Dec. 5th.

UCSD Tritons Invitational will take place on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

The Coyotes are scheduled to play Azusa Pacific University and Academy of Art University in the invitational.

These games will help the Coyotes prepare the team by building their confidence for the 2014-2015 season.

In the 2013-2014 season, the Coyotes did not go as far as they would have liked, losing their first game of the CCAA tournament after finishing the season 9-16.

This season, the Coyotes appear to be better prepared, winning their first two preseason games in comparison to the six-game losing streak they went through last year.

“This is by far one of the most talented teams we have put together and not only are they good basketball players, they are great people” said Renee Jimenez Coyotes head coach.

Returning players and new members of woman’s basketball are working diligently, and ready for a national title run.

“We have really pushed this group in the fall at a high pace and challenged their toughness.  We have told them the faster we come together as a team the deeper into March we will get to play” said Jimenez.

Jimenez’s coaching system has instilled a winner’s mentality in this 2014-2015 team.

Only time will tell if the changes and new additions will make an impact when regular season play begins; but for now, the Coyotes are on the right track.