LOS ANGELES – West LA College battled but ultimately suffered a 69-43 loss at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College on Saturday in both teams' 2025-26 season opener.

New West LA head coach Tristan Taylor's squad is light on experience but eager to prove themselves on the court. His first roster features just one returning sophomore in guard Kyana Davis with 11 freshmen.

The Wildcats got off to a slow start on Saturday, falling behind 6-0 to open the contest. West LA was down 28-17 at halftime and couldn't put together a big run to overcome the Beavers.

Newcomer Kaylee McCruel led West LA with 13 points in her debut. She added 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Ariyah Honeysucker totaled 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Tamiah Bonham contributed 11 points and 3 boards.

Taylor will get his next shot at his first win on Wednesday (Nov. 5) when the Wildcats host MiraCosta College in a 5 p.m. non-conference game.