Sophomore Guard Sam Watanabe was a bight spot in the Cougars' loss in their 2023 Western State Conference Opener to #9 Ventura, 77-34.  Watanabe was the only Cuesta player to score in double digits in the game and she scored efficiently.  She was 5-for-9 from the field, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arch, for 15 points.  Watanabe also led the Cougars with five rebounds.  She is averaging 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game on the season.