Hancock Beats Monterey 55-49 to Advance to Championship Game at Cuesta Tournament

The Allan Hancock College women's basketball team will play College of the Desert for the championship on Saturday at a tournament hosted by Cuesta College. The Bulldogs defeated Monterey Peninsula 55-49 on Friday to advance to the title game.  Syenna Ramirez, Destinee Garcia and Marissa Torres scored 11 points apiece to lead the Bulldogs to victory.

Kelly McClain added nine points and Michaila Miller added six points and seven rebounds. Garcia led the Bulldogs with four steals.  

Torres added three swipes and six rebounds, while Ramirez had two steals and three assists.  

The Bulldogs carried a 32-17 lead into halftime, but saw their lead whittled down to four at 40-36 after they were outscored 19-8 in the third quarter. The Bulldogs were able to recover and hold on for the victory, their fifth straight win.

Hancock made 33 percent of its shots from the field (18 for 54) and sank just two of its 14 shots from three-point range (14 percent). The Bulldogs made 17 of their 28 free throws and committed 12 turnovers. The Bulldog defense held Monterey to 36 percent shooting and forced 23 turnovers.

Hancock will play Desert at 4 p.m. on Saturday for a chance at its first tournament championship under third-year head coach Cary Nerelli.