Ventura Defeats El Camino to Close Crossover

The Pirates' women's basketball team scored a 53-30 victory over El Camino Saturday to conclude the VC Crossover at the Athletic Event Center. Sam McKenzie led the way with 19 points, 15 in the first half, while Alexa Coubal netted eight, including a 6-6 performance at the free throw line. Alanna Topete and Charnelle Nichols each scored six points in the triumph.

The Pirates broke open a nip-and-tuck first quarter with a 7-0 run to close the period. McKenzie hit a pair of free throws with 5:43 on the clock to give VC the lead for good, 6-4. Topete had a steal and lay-up for a 9-5 margin and McKenzie's three at the 2:14 mark started the closing run. McKenzie hit a pair of free throws and a drive at the buzzer to give Ventura the 16-7 lead at the end of the period.

The VC run continued into the second quarter with Nichols connecting from range on the first possession of the period. McKenzie followed with a steal and lay-up, then cashed in a Coubal dime for three to complete a 15-0 stretch.  After a Warrior bucket, the Pirates scored the final eight points of the stanza on a Topete runner, a three's from Danielle Salazar and Ariella Harrison, respectively. Ventura led El Camino 32-9 at halftime.

VC cooled off after intermission as the Pirates were limited to one field goal in the third quarter, a pull-up jumper by McKenzie. Ventura did shoot 5-8 from the free throw line and led 39-21 entering the fourth.

Five different players scored for VC in the final 10 minutes of play, including three's by Nichols and Milan Garcia, as the Pirates came away with the 53-30 victory.

Ventura completes its non-conference schedule with a 5-7 mark and will begin Western State Conference North Division play on Wednesday Jan. 8 at home against Los Angeles Mission College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm at the AEC.