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Mirin Fader of the Orange County Register looks at Daeja Smith's return from the knee injury that caused her to miss the 2015-16 season.
By Mirin Fader | Click here to read the full story
The Titans can count on Daeja Smith.
The 6-foot-3 redshirt sophomore center leaps high, pulling in rebounds. She calls for the ball in the post, putting in layups at a steady pace. She's starting to break out of her shell, recording her sixth double-double of the season last week against UC Riverside with 11 points and a game-high 14 boards.
"I finally got my confidence back," said Smith, a physical presence for the Titans (4-15 overall, 1-5 Big West) averaging 7.9 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the Big West, to go along with 10.5 points per game.
Smith, who ranks fourth in the conference in field goal percentage (51.9 percent) and blocks (1.3 per game), had to gain back her mojo after sitting out last season.
The Rancho Cucamonga native had played – and started – for the Titans as a freshman during the 2014-15 season, showing promise with a nice touch on the offensive end. But that summer, heading into her sophomore year, she leaped for a rebound during a workout and twisted her right knee when she landed, tearing her meniscus.
The Titans host first-place Long Beach State at 7 p.m., tonight at Titan Gym. Purchase tickets HERE