The VC women's basketball team continues to search for its identity, struggling offensively Friday in their 57-51 win over Grossmont in the opening round of the LA Valley Russell Classic.The Pirates (7-4) shot just 17 percent from the floor in the first half, and was just 1-22 from 3-point range for the game, but found a way to defeat the Griffins.
Ventura was just 1-9 shooting in the early going, but remained close as Grossmont had trouble putting points on the board as well. When Melissa Jackson put back an offensive rebound for VC's second field goal at the 10:58 mark of the opening period, the score was tied at 7-7. Aubri Smith hit the Pirates' only 3-pointer of the game with 9:17 on the clock, making the count 10-9 for VC. A deuce by Aubri Smith and another putback from Jackson put Ventura ahead 14-11 at the 6:22 mark, but Grossmont finishe dthe period on a 8-3 run to go into halftime ahead 19-17.
Both teams began to heat up a bit in the second half. Makenna Murray hit two straight runners in the paint for VC, and Carolyn Ruffino's 3-point play followed, making the score 26-24 for Grossmont. Another Murray bucket and two free throws from Brooke Zamora tied the score at 28-28 a short time later.
Aubri Smith connected on a 3-point play inside to give VC a 35-33 lead, but the Griffins countered with a 3-pointer. Ruffino answered with a drive down the right side for two. Christina Gonzalez hit a pair of charity tosses at the 8:11 mark to put Ventura ahead 41-36.
Down the stretch, Murray hit six of six free throws, and Zamora hit three late field goals to secure the victory for Ventura, 57-51.
Murray led VC with 17 points, including a 7-7 night at the free throw line. Aubri Smith totaled 13 points while Zamora had nine points with seven rebounds. Micaela Pericone-Kapp also had seven boards and three steals and Ruffino grabbed three steals, also.
Ventura advances to play Fullerton College at 5:00 pm on Saturday Dec. 13 in the tournament semifinals. Earlier this year, Fullerton won the Pirates' season opener, 72-58.