Pirate Defense Smothers Bulldogs in Win

The VC women's basketball team had a stifling defensive effort Saturday afternoon, defeating Allan Hancock 63-30 in Santa Maria. The Bulldogs were limited to a 16 percent shooting effort by the Pirates as VC held them to single digits in each quarter of play. Olivia Decierdo had a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, while handing out six assists and grabbing five steals in the contest and Kayla Lumas netted 19 points. Sienna Angell contributed 12 points for Ventura in the triumph.

Hancock actually held an early 4-0 advantage before a 3-pointer from Angell and a lay-up by Lumas quickly turned the tables. The Bulldogs tied the game at 7-7 before Decierdo's charity shot put VC ahead for good followed by a bucket by Charnelle Nichols. Riannah Lopez scored two late in the first quarter as VC held a 14-7 margin after 10 minutes of play.

VC went on a 9-2 run to open the second period to distance themselves from the Bulldogs. Lumas scored a lay-up and Angell connected from range, and Alyssa Ballesteros answered a Hancock bucket with a deuce on the next possession. Lumas' easy bucket put Ventura ahead 23-9 with 3:50 remaining in the half. At halftime, the Pirates held a 30-13 advantage.

The second half was more of the same for Ventura as they outscored AHC 16-8 and 17-9 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, in the 63-30 triumph.

Nichols added five points and 11 rebounds in the game and Lumas pulled in six boards. 

VC will next host Oxnard on Wednesday Jan. 28 at 7:00 pm.