Bulldogs Fall to Defending State Champion Ventura 77-42

Despite 23 points from Celina Calderon, the Allan Hancock College women's basketball team lost to perennial state power Ventura College 77-42 on Wednesday in Joe White Memorial Gymnasium. The loss dropped Hancock to 0-3 in Western State Conference play and 8-11 overall. The Pirates improved to 2-0 in conference and 15-5 for the season.

The Bulldogs scored the first five points of the game thanks to a bucket by Calderon and a three-pointer from Ali Rodriguez. The Bulldogs led 16-13 after a layup from Calderon halfway through the first half. Ventura outscored Hancock 22-9 the final 10 minutes of the opening half.

Calderon made nine of 20 shots on the night, including two of six from three point range. She added three rebounds and two steals. Rodriguez finished with 12 points on three fo 11 shooting to go with three rebounds. Tashara Pruett added eight rebounds and two steals.

Hancock shot 26 percent on the night by hitting 14 of 54 form the field, including three of 18 three-point attempts. Ventura shot 44 percent on 28 of 64 shooting. The Pirates hit nine of 27 three-point shots.

The Pirates dominated the glass and outrebounded Hancock 42 to 29 behind 11 offensive rebounds. Micaela-Pericone Kapp led Ventura with 20 ponts, while Brooke Zamora and Makenna Murray added 15 points each. Aubri Smith added 12 points.

The Bulldogs return to action Wednesday, Jan. 21, at L.A. Pierce. Tip off is at 7 p.m.