Cougs attempt wins against tough Trojans on Friday

WSU will face University of Southern California following disappointing losses; this game follows contentious past losses to Trojans as senior Cougs hope to prove themselves

Senior+guard+Chanelle+Molina+anticipates+her+move+against+Pepperdine+University+on+Nov.+5+at+Beasley+Coliseum.

HSING-HAN CHEN | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE

Senior guard Chanelle Molina anticipates her move against Pepperdine University on Nov. 5 at Beasley Coliseum.

VASILI VARLAMOS, Evergreen reporter

The WSU women’s basketball team is seeking to break its two-game losing streak when it travels to Los Angeles to play the University of Southern California on Friday.

WSU (9-9, 2-4) has a four-game losing streak to USC (9-8, 1-5), with its last win coming in Pullman on Jan. 8, 2017.

WSU is looking to win three straight road games for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

After road wins against the University of Washington and the University of California, Berkeley, in pre-game press conference head coach Kamie Ethridge said the team is growing up and focuses well on the road.

“I think being at home really leads to some distractions,” Ethridge said. “You get on the road, and it’s just you and your routine. You get a lot of rest, and you just focus on the game.”

Redshirt senior forward Borislava Hristova is WSU’s leading scorer this season. Hristova is averaging 19.1 points per game and is shooting 47.4 percent from the field.

“I’m just trying to be the best example for this team and help them through this journey,” Hristova said. “Me and Chanelle, as seniors, we should be the leaders because we’ve been here long enough, and we know what to expect.”

Senior guard Chanelle Molina is the second leading scorer for the Cougars this season. She is averaging 15.9 points per game, and a team best 4.3 assists per game.

Sophomore guard Cherilyn Molina said Chanelle has always been her role model.

“I just follow her by example in every practice and try to be the best I can be,” Cherilyn Molina said.

The WSU women’s basketball team will play Southern California at 7 p.m. Friday at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.