MARAUDER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COMES HOME AND SCORES EASY VICTORY

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER – The Marauder women's basketball team put on a show in the opening round of the 16^th Annual AVC Holiday Tournament with a convincing 77-29 victory over Pierce College, Friday night at Marauder Gymnasium. 

A 24-point outburst in the third quarter was the largest quarter by an AVC team since it went to quarters in 2015. The Marauders defense also held the Brahmas without a field goal during the third quarter as Pierce's only points came from three free throws. 

Deja Smith led AVC (4-7) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. She also chipped in with three assists and two steals. Ashley Shaw had a double-double as well with 10 points and 11 rebounds in only nine minutes of action. 

The Marauders opened the first and third quarters with a pair of 17-0 runs. In each of those two quarters AVC's defense held Pierce (1-8) without a point for more than 5 ½ minutes. 

"It was a good game, but they weren't really on our level. I thought we made good plays overall and we got the win, and that's what matters most," said Smith. "If we work together things will work themselves out. It felt good to get the win in front of our home crowd. This was a confidence boost for us, but we need to keep up the same energy (tomorrow)." 

AVC's prize for its easy victory, a date with No. 4 ranked College of the Sequoias, after the Giants had an easy time with Barstow College. 

The Marauders outrebounded Pierce, 69-30, including three players in double figures led by Katilin Stephenson who led the game with 15 rebounds. AVC held Pierce to only two points in the first quarter, which was the lowest point total by an AVC opponent.