CYPRESS, CA - Don Johnson Court was filled with fans for the Second Round of the women's basketball CCCAA Tournament, where Cypress (22-7, 9-3 OEC) took on the visiting Ventura College Pirates (20-9, 8-4). In an incredible comeback, the Chargers came out with the win and advanced to the third round of the CCCAA Bracket, with a final score of 79-67. 

The first quarter started with a lot of energy from both teams, but Ventura quickly took the lead. Bianca Olega made a quick three-pointer to cut the lead to 7, making the score 18-11. At the end of the first quarter, the visiting Pirates were up 24-15. Alexcia Alvarez jumped back in at the start of the second with a layup to get some momentum back on the Charger's side. Cypress chipped away at the lead, but Ventura held their 7-point advantage for the entirety of the second frame. 

More of the same back-and-forth in the third quarter, while the energy in the gym grew more tense. JoAnna Stroud had multiple skilled defensive plays, and sank two free throws to make the score 55-48 Pirates. The Chargers came out firing in the fourth quarter. Ashley Hawkins proved why she shared MVP honors in the OEC with her late game heroics. After the point guard crossed up her assigned defender, she sunk a three-pointer to put the Chargers on top for the first time since the first quarter with 7 minutes left in the game. Jasmine Uy quickly followed that with a jump-shot to extend the Charger lead. Hawkins finished the game for Cypress by sinking two-free throws and dribbled the ball out to end the playoff matchup. 

Ashley Hawkins was the leading scorer for both teams with 30 points, 17 of which were in the fourth quarter, she also had 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Jasmine Uy was the next highest scorer for the Chargers with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. Alexcia Alvarez had 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. 

UP NEXT: The Chargers will travel to Moorpark College on Saturday March 4th for the Regional 3rd Round of the CCCAA.

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