VC Women Drop Semifinal in All-Star Classic

With an effort that did not match the final score, the shorthanded Pirates' women's basketball team dropped a 77-53 decision to Mt. San Antonio College in the semifinals of the LA Valley Buddy's All-Star Classic Friday. Sofia Torres-Reyes scored 22 points with five rebounds and three steals and Alyssandra Lacanilao totaled 21 points with five steals in a game during which the Pirates started with seven healthy players in uniform. Sam Martinez pulled in a team-high six rebounds in the contest.

Ventura went on the offensive early with a 3-pointer from Lacanilao and a pair of buckets from Torres-Reyes. Sea'Ana Egizi also hit from range to make it 10-6 for VC midway through the opening period. The Mounties hit two free throws on back-to-back possessions before Mya Victor hit a charity shot for an 11-10 Pirate edge with 2:52 remaining. Mt. SAC came storming back scoring seven straight points off Pirate turnovers, and they ended the quarter with another deuce and Ventura trailed 19-11 after one period.

Mt. SAC extended their lead to 25-11 before Victor took the offensive and was fouled driving to the hoop, She unfortunately suffered an injury on the play and left the game, taking her five rebounds and two blocked shots with her, leaving Ventura with six healthy bodies.  A minute later, Maddie Ozbourn picked up her fourth foul on a controversial call reversal and Ventura fell behind 32-13 with 6:27 on the clock. Ventura stopped the bleeding at that point as India Jones hit for three on the next possession for her first points of the season. Torres-Reyes and Lacanilao paced the offensive effort for the remainder of the half and Ventura trailed 45-25 at halftime.

The remaining Pirates, each of whom were forced to play extended minutes, continued the fight, despite the deficit. They trailed 65-35 entering the final period before Lacanilao scored the next seven points, including a 3-point play with 8:04 left to play.Lacanilao and Torres-Reyes continued to lead the Ventura effort that included holding the Mounties to 12 points in the final stanza. Ventura ultimately dropped the 77-53 decision.

The Pirates move to the tournament's third place game where they will take on the host team. VC and LA Valley will tip-off at 4:00 pm.