Rodriguez, Calderon and De La Guerra Combine for 56 in Hancock's 72-54 Win Over Taft

Ali Rodriguez scored 22 of her game-high 27 points in the first half to lead three Bulldogs in double figures as the Allan Hancock College women's basketball team dominated Taft College 72-54 in its home opener at Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on Wednesday.

Hancock improved to 2-3 overall, while Taft dropped to 0-5.

Celina Calderon poured in 16 points, including seven in the second half. The Lompoc High School graduate made six of her 10 shots from the floor and three of four from the free throw line. The sophomore added six assists, three steals and four rebounds.

Rodriguez opened the game dialed in by hitting nine of 11 in the first half, including three of four from three-point range. The Pioneer Valley High School graduate buried a three from the corner at the buzzer to give Hancock a 45-20 lead at halftime. The sophomore ended the game 10 for 15 overall and three for six from downtown. She added three assists and two steals.

Freshman Tashara Pruett added seven points and eight points and Michaila Miller added four points and four boards.

Hancock shot 53 percent in the first half and 47 percent in the game (27-57). The Bulldogs hit three of 10 from long-range and 15 of 22 (68%) from the free-throw line. Taft shot 36.5 percent (19-52) from the floor, 31 percent from three-point range and 69 percent (11-16) from the charity stripe.

Hancock pulled down 31 rebounds to Taft's 29. The Bulldogs dished out 15 assists and collected seven steals. They committed 14 turnovers that led to 11 points, while Taft turned the ball over 19 times that led to 15 Hancock points. 

Hancock led by as many as 31 points in the second half before closing out the 18-point victory.

Emilee Davidson recorded a double-double for Taft with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kennedy Kunce also scored 14 points, while Carrie Graham had 10 points.

The Bulldogs return to action Tuesday, November 25, at Reedley College at 3 p.m.