MARAUDERS HOLD OFF WEST LA IN CONFERENCE-OPENING THRILLER

PHOTOS by Byron Devers and Andrew Rivera

AVC Women's Basketball began WSC conference play with a 63-60 win over the West LA Wildcats at home on Wednesday. 

The Marauders were on the road for the entire month of December but have won their two home contests, including a 101-38 win over LA Pierce back in November. It was center Courtney Hart who led the way with her first double-double of the season. The 6'1 freshman from Yosemite High School shot 7-11 from the field, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds; both were game-highs. AVC outscored the Wildcats by 6 points in the opening period but were outscored by 5 points in the second quarter. 

After taking a 1-point lead into halftime, the Marauders' offense returned to the court and stalled in the third quarter with only 2 points scored. Down 35-46 heading into the final period, AVC heated up behind the 3-point line, with sophomores Kristen Lopez going 3-for-4 and Bailey Cassell going 2-for-3. The back-and-forth battle with multiple lead changes ended for good when Cassell drained one of her 3-pointers with :49 seconds left on the clock. Jordan Johnson then sank two clutch free-throws with :08 seconds left to seal the win. 

Kristen Lopez finished with 15 points (including five 3-pointers), 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Jordan Johnson ended with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Bridgett Ignacio had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Bailey Cassell finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Mircle Jackson had 11 rebounds, and Allysa Taylor had 4 assists. 

Antelope Valley (6-9, 1-0) will travel to LA Valley before returning home to face Santa Monica on Wed., 1/11, at 5:00 pm.