The Pirates' women's basketball team dropped a 68-46 decision against San Diego Mesa Friday on the second day of the Buddy's All-Star Classic at LA Valley. Sam McKenzie netted 14 points with six rebounds and a pair of assists while Alexa Coubal scored 12 points with seven boards. Alanna Topete handed out six assists.
McKenzie opened the scoring with a 3-pointer a minute into play before the Olympians took control scoring the next 14 points. McKenzie and Coubal each scored buckets to pull VC to within 14-7 with 1:53 left in the period and Mesa scored six straight points to end the quarter ahead 20-7.
Coubal netted back-to-back buckets to open the second quarter, the first off a McKenzie assist and a second from a Charnelle Nichols steal and a Topete helper. Mesa continued to pad their advantage, however, throughout the stanza as they led 36-19 at halftime.
The Pirates were unable to make much headway against the Olympians in the second half in the setback.
Nichols ended the game with seven points and Aiyana Gonzalez pulled in five rebounds in the game. Topete, Milan Garcia and Coubal each grabbed a pair of steals.
VC will conclude play in the tournament on Saturday Dec. 14 against San Francisco. Tip-off is slated for 1:00 pm at LA Valley.