The VC women's basketball team dropped a 59-49 decision to Glendale Saturday evening at the Wild West Shootout at West Los Angeles College in Culver City. Kenya Edelhart scored 15 points with three assists and three steals to lead the Pirates and Maddie Ozbourn had 13 points with six boards.
The Pirates got off to a fast start when Alyssandra Lacanilao hit a three on the opening possession of the game. Edelhart then assisted a bucket by Ozbourn and the Pirates led 5-2. VC took a 7-6 lead on Edelhart's lay-up, but the Vaqueros answered with a pair of 3-pointers and a bucket to take a 14-6 lead. Edelhart's drive and score in the final minute of the first quarter brought Ventura to within 14-9 at the quarter break.
Ventura opened the second quarter with a 5-0 run on a 3-pointer from Alisha Cruz-Lisberg and another score at the rim by Edelhart to tie the game at 14. It was all Glendale from that point until halftime, however, as the Vaquaros outscored the Pirates 11-2 over the final seven minute of play in the stanza. Ventura trailed 25-16 at halftime.
Ventura seemed to get untracked early in the second half, coming back with an 8-2 run over the first three minutes of play. Edelhart connected on a drive to the bucket, then Ozbourn made an inside shot. Edelhart then grabbed a steal and assisted a lay-up by Ozbourn before a Glendale score and a Sam Martinez drive to the basket for two. The 27-24 margin would be as close as the Pirates got to the Vaqueros the rest of the way as Glendale scored the next seven points to rebuild their advantage. Ventura trailed 43-33 headed to the fourth quarter.
Every Pirate run was met by Vaquero resistance in the final period. Edelhart scored at the rim and Martinez hit a three, but a triple by Glendale maintained their advantage. Edelhart hit from range with 7:17 left to play to make it 48-41, but Glendale answered with their own triple a minute later. The Vaqueros maintained their advantage to the end, defeating the Pirates 59-49.
Martinez scored eight points on the night and Lacanilao finished with seven points and six rebounds.
Ventura concludes the Wild West Shootout on Sunday Nov. 14 against the host West Los Angeles Wildcats. Tip-off in Culver city is scheduled for 4:00 pm.