Solid Defense Powers Double-Digit Pirate Win

The VC women's basketball team traveled to Santa Barbara on Wednesday, historically a difficult place for the Pirates to play, and used a solid defensive performance in their 55-41 victory over the Vaqueros. Kenya Edelhart had 16 points and seven assists to lead the way while Kylie Gallick recorded her 16th double-double of the year with 13 points and 15 rebounds. The Ventura defense held SBCC to just 10 made field goals and 30 percent shooting in building a 47-25 margin through three quarters in the triumph.

The game was tied at 3-3 and 9-9 in the first quarter before Jocelyn Contreras assisted a bucket by Sofia Torres-Reyes to give the Pirates (15-5, 4-1) the lead for good with 4:01 remaining in the period. Torres-Reyes returned the favor on the next possession, dropping a dime to Contreras for a fast break lay-up. Edelhart's lay-up and a Talitha Draper lay-up from a sweet pass by Contreras ended the stanza with a 17-9 Pirate lead.

Edelhart scored on an old-fashioned 3-point play, Gallick netted a bucket inside, and Alisha Cruz-Lisberg hit a pair of charity shots to push the margin to double-figures, 24-13, midway through the second quarter. Edelhart then assisted with the next three field goals for Ventura, a Cruz-Lisberg lay-up, and a two then a three by Torres-Reyes, before scoring on a drive in the closing seconds of the half for a 33-17 VC advantage at intermission.

Ventura continued to build its lead in the third, opening with a lay-up by Gallick and a three by Edelhart.  Gallick's 3-point play stretched the margin to 20 points, 45-25, with 1:38 on the clock, and Edelhart's score made it 47-25 headed to the final period.

In the fourth, VC maintained its 20-point lead for much of the period with Edelhart connecting for two free throws at the 2:25 mark for a 55-34 score. SBCC scored the game's final seven points for the 55-41 final.

Edelhart added four rebounds and three steals to her points and assists and Torres-Reyes totaled 12 points in the game. Cruz-Lisberg added six points and Contreras totaled six points with six boards. Alina Olivo grabbed four caroms in the victory.

The Pirates next hit the hardwoods on Wednesday Jan. 25 at home against Allan Hancock College. Tip-off with the Bulldogs is scheduled for 5:00 pm and the game will be followed by the Pirates' presentation of this year's Favorite Teachers.