Lady Lancers Playing to Win
Jan 14, 2025 11:34AM ● By James Darnell, photos by Rick Sloan
Cordova sophomore guard Emily Espinoza-Hernandez drives towards the basket against West Park.
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lady Lancers have endured some tough losses during their season thus far, but you'd never know it if you watch them compete.
Despite a 4-16 overall record (including 0-3 within the Metro League at press time), spirits remain high for head coach Kim Little and her group as they continue to attack each practice and game with enthusiasm. Fortunately for the longtime coach, effort isn't something determined by the scoreboard. According to Little, the team is still showing up each day, ready and willing to put in the work necessary to get better.

Cordova Head Coach Kim Little draws up a play during a time out against West Park.
"They're hungry still," she said. "There's a no-quit mentality. We come into every practice as if we're still battling like we're going to win a league championship."
This season is the first within the Metro League for the Lady Lancers after realignment, and it has proven to be quite the challenge for the program. Since returning from the holiday break, the team has battled against the likes of West Park, Kennedy, and McClatchy respectively, dropping each of those contests. According to Little, the level of play from their opponents compared to years past has proven difficult.
"I just think the level of competition has increased," Cordova head coach Kimberly Little said. "It's that, and inexperience. We're seeing a lot of talent. It's different for us. We're still young, considerably, so what we're running up against is a lot of talent and experience."

Junior point guard Taliyah Johnson goes up for a short jump shot against West Park on Jan. 6.
In a situation where the team isn't winning as much as they'd like, particularly on a team comprised of more youth than experience, team morale is something coaches have to keep a close eye on. Luckily for Little, positivity is something her team has in spades.
"Our team is still super positive and optimistic. Very competitive still. We're taking everything that we're going through as a learning curve. But we still go out and compete no matter who we're going up against."

Sophomore guard Emily Espinoza-Hernandez takes a three-point shot against West Park.
Junior guard Taliyah Johnson is leading the team in scoring at 12.0 points per game, and sophomore forward Becca Lee is averaging 8.5 rebounds per game, as the standouts on the court for the Lady Lancers so far this season. But if you ask their coach, her entire team has been productive in ways that don't show up on a stat sheet.
"I think it's the whole team that is taking accountability," Little said. "We're just wanting to be a team. We have a great team atmosphere full of leaders."

Junior point guard Jasmine Ferrell drives towards the hoop against West Park.