SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 15 Santa Barbara City College women's basketball team opened conference play Wednesday, falling 68-53 to the No. 4 Moorpark College Raiders.
"The first half was back and forth, and we maintained our intensity," said head coach Sandrine Krul. "We stuck to our game plan, which was great."
The Vaqueros jumped out to an early 23-19 lead at the end of the first quarter, highlighted by Kaylee Bosetti's pair of 3-pointers.
Moorpark closed the gap and entered halftime leading 42-36, thanks to Mika Jarret's eight points in the second quarter.
"In the second half, we didn't shoot well," Krul said. "When you play a team like Moorpark, and they try to speed you up with their press, we have to make layups and open shots. We were a bit too rushed, especially in the third quarter."
Moorpark extended its lead to 54-45 by the end of the third quarter.
"In the fourth quarter, our defensive intensity improved, and our press was effective," Krul said. "But again, you have to capitalize on steals by making shots."
Aariah Fox tallied 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. Kaylee Lawson added 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Isis Poteet contributed seven points, nine rebounds (including five offensive), four assists, and two blocks off the bench.
The Vaqueros return to action at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in the Sports Pavilion, hosting Oxnard College.
"In conference play, the intensity level rises, and my team will learn from this loss as they have all season," Krul said. "After a loss, I have no doubt we'll bounce back. Our intensity and execution must last 40 minutes, regardless of the opponent."
