Pirates Win Big in Ribbons Of Life Breast Cancer Game

The Ventura College women's basketball team posted a big victory over visiting Oxnard College Wednesday in the team's 11th Annual Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Game. Jasmyne Martin totaled game-high point honors with 24, and Davina Del Castillo flirted with a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals to lead the way while Melissa Ohmie had a double-double animal style with career-high's of 11 points and 14 boards for Ventura (17-6, 3-0).

Also during the evening, the Pirates introduced honorary starters, all breast cancer survivors, and hosted a silent auction to raise money for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, an all-volunteer, local breast cancer advocacy group. During the evening, $1,265 was raised, including over $1,000 in the silent auction.

Del Castillo made a 3-pointer on the Pirates' second possession of the game, then answered an Oxnard score with her own bucket to begin an 8-0 Ventura run, and the rout was on. Talitha Draper made a putback, and Elissa Root connected from downtown to make it 10-2, not even four minutes into the game. After a Condor 3-pointer, Ohmie sandwiched a pair of lay-ups around a Del Castillo score, then Del Castillo hit from range for a 19-5 Pirate advantage. Avery Brunk hit a triple, then Martin scored three the old fashioned way and VC led 25-7 at the end of the first quarter.

It was more of the same for the Pirates in the second quarter as they expanded their edge. Martin went coast-to-coast for a deuce, then Alaina Garcia and Nikki Puga each hit from behind the arc. Draper scored on another follow shot and VC led 35-10 with 4:49 remaining in the half. Martin scored nine of Ventura's next 11 points and the Pirates led 46-17 at intermission.

Del Castillo opened the second half the same way she opened the game, with a 3-pointer, and Ventura continued to expand its advantage. They led 62-26 at the quarter break, en route to the82-29 victory.

Del Castillo added five assists to her effort, and Celeste Salazar also dropped five dimes. Ohmie handed out four helpers. Garcia had 10 points in the game while Draper pulled in 12 rebounds. Martin also had eight caroms.

Ventura begins a 3-game road swing on Saturday Jan. 27 with a date at Santa Barbara City College. Game time at the Sports Pavilion is 5:00 pm.

The Pirates and Condors along with the night's honorary starters, all breast cancer survivors, before the 11th Annual Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer game. (photo by Felix Cortez)