In its first game at the Condor's Nest in three years, the Pirates' women's basketball team returned in a big way with a solid 90-44 win over host Oxnard Wednesday night. Aubri Smith and Brooke Zamora led VC (24-5, 11-0) with 16 and 15 points, respectively, as Ventura clinched outright their 25th straight conference championship.
The Pirates spotted the Condors six points early, as OC connected on a pair of 3-pointers while VC was missing its first seven shots. But when Aubri Smith hit Zamora for a 3-pointer at the 16:29 mark, it was essentially game over. VC hit five consecutive shots, including a pair of triples, and a free throw over the next three minutes, scoring 13 consecutive points, taking control of the game. Following another Condor trey, Ventura scored another 13 straight points to take a 26-9 advantage with 8:00 on the clock.
Oxnard was able to close the gap to 26-16 with a brief 8-0 run, but the Pirates answered, outscoring OC 16-5over the final five minutes of the half. Ventura led at the break, 43-21.
The Pirates continued the strong play in the second half, continually building their lead. The advantage reached 30, 55-25, with a Micaela Pericone-Kapp free throw at the 14:57 mark. The margin reached 40 with a Zamora jumper with 11:49 on the clock. Ventura cruised for the 90-44 victory, their 17th straight triumph.
Aubri Smith filled up the stat sheet with 16 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Zamora netted 15 points with 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Pericone-Kapp, Carolyn Ruffino and Felicia Magana all scored 11 points in the game. Sandra Ortiz pulled in eight rebounds while Christina Gonzalez and Ruffino hauled in six boards each. Ruffino also handed out three assists and grabbed three steals while Pericone-Kapp also handed out three dimes.
Ventura will close the regular season on Saturday Feb. 21 with a home date with Moorpark. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm with the Pirate men starting at 5:00 pm. It will be sophomore night for the Pirates, and will also be the program's annual Barbeque Fundraiser. The meal begins at 4:00 pm at the VC Sportsplex.