W. Basketball: Cerritos locks down first win of the season

File Photo: Jayden Estrada scored the eventual game-winning basket against Taft College
File Photo: Jayden Estrada scored the eventual game-winning basket against Taft College

Sophomore Jayden Estrada (Anaheim HS) scored in a layup with 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Cerritos College women's basketball team the final lead of the game in a 69-66 win on Wednesday. The win was the first of the season for the Falcons (1-2), as they battled back to defeat visiting Taft College (3-3). The team will travel to Santa Monica next Wednesday for a 6:00 p.m. game.

After leading by 13 points (64-51) with 4:31 remaining after a three-pointer from freshman Salma Garcia (Downey HS), it looked as though Cerritos would lock down the win. However, the Cougars made a late comeback and even took a 66-65 lead with 1:00 left in the fourth quarter. It looked worse for the Falcons when they turned the ball over on their next possession. But Taft missed consecutive three-point attempts and then turned the ball over, which led to the basket by Estrada.

With one last chance to pull out a win, Taft missed a layup and then turned the ball over after getting the offensive rebound. Garcia was then fouled with one second remaining and she converted both free throws for the final score.

The Cougars opened the game by scoring the first 10 points until the Falcons were able to settle down. They put up 29 points in the second quarter, which included knocking down four three-pointers and shooting 67% from the field. On the night, the Falcons converted 9-of-18 three-pointers, although they were out-rebounded 47-24.The 29 turnovers by Taft hurt them more than anything else.

Freshman Genesis Salinas (Downey HS) led the way with 16 points, seven assists, five steals and four assists for the Falcons, with Estrada producing 15 points. Garcia added 11 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench, with freshman Natalie Poppin (La Habra HS) also scoring 11 points in the win.