Ventura 48, Antelope Valley 52 (ot)

Ventura-Oxnard Crossover @ VC

December 29, 2006

Box Score

     Observers could  trace Ventura's 52-48 overtime loss to Antelope Valley Friday evening at the Athletic Event Center back to one pass, one shot, or one defensive possession; looking for a reason for the loss.  But they would be missing the point, because at VC playing hard is the ultimate goal, not winning, and the Pirates gave a great effort despite the loss.  They head into Western State Conference play next week with a 14-5 record, the best for the program in three years, and a fresh perspective on what it will take to defend the conference title.

     The contest was a half-court struggle from the start with both teams well prepared defensively, and both teams content to use much of the shot clock on every possession.  After Sara Arciniega hit a driving lay-up to give the Pirates the early 2-0 advantage Antelope Valley (10-8) held VC scoreless for the next seven minutes.  The Marauders could only muster an 8-2 lead, however, as the Ventura (14-5) defense was also up to the task.  The Pirates eventually came back and took an 11-10 lead on Lindsay Trout's two free throws at the 7:06 point of the period.  AVC eventually worked the lead back to four points and led 22-18 at halftime.

       The Pirates battled back in the second half and tied the score at 26 with a Veronica Williams free throw at the 14:58 mark.  After the score was tied at 32, Jessi Selleh hit a driving lay-up, and Sandy Perry connected on a drive from the short corner on the next possession to establish a four point cushion with 6:31 on the clock.  The Marauders connected on a 3-pointer and a 2-point bucket on consecutive possessions to retake the lead 37-36 a minute later.  Eja Wong and Selleh each hit free throws around a Misty Alvarado bucket to give VC a 41-39 advantage at the 2:20 mark, but another long range bomb brought AVC back into the game once again.  Down 44-41 in the final minute, the Pirates used a Perry drive and score and a Selleh free throw to tie the score  with 38.7 remaining.  A clutch Pirate defensive stop sent the game into overtime from that point.

     In the extra period  Perry hit a pair of free throws to put Ventura up 47-46 before yet another clutch 3-pointer from the Marauder arsenal doomed VC's aspirations of victory.  AVC hit a pair of free throws in the final seconds to seal the score at 52-48.

     Selleh led the Pirates with 13 points.  Williams contributed eight points with eight rebounds and Alvarado also netted eight while pulling away two steals.  Perry scored seven points and also grabbed two steals.

     The Pirates will open up Western State Conference play at home against Santa Barbara on Jan. 3 at 7:30 pm.  The game will be preceded by the Pirate men's team who also host the Vaqueros with a 5:30 pm tip-off.