The Porterville College women's basketball team knew it would have to be at its best to challenge No. 3 state-ranked Merced College on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the Pirates got off to a slow start before falling by a final score of 89-37 in both teams' Central Valley Conference opener.

PC scored just four points in the opening quarter and was down 44-11 at halftime. Merced's defensive pressure also proved to be too much for the Pirates as Porterville committed a season-high 45 turnovers.

Sophomore Kathy Rodriguez was a bright spot for the Pirates in an otherwise forgettable night. She nearly had a double-double, leading PC with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Freshman Raeleen Jensen added 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

The loss dropped Porterville to 3-12 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Pirates will look to snap a two-game losing streak next Wednesday (Jan. 16) when they host West Hills College Lemoore in a 7 p.m. CVC game.