Sierra rolls into Final Four with 94-75 win

With a convincing 94-75 win over Irvine Valley, the Sierra College women's basketball team moves on to the California Community College Athletic Association's Final Four.

The Wolverines (31-1) had four players score in double figures including Bri Moore (29 points, 6 steals, 5 assists, 9 rebounds), Shanel Jamison (21 points, 6 assists) and Aycee Willis (18 points).

Sierra actually trailed at halftime 37-36, before cranking up the defensive pressure to pull away from the Lasers 58-37 in the second half.

"I thought that was the difference in the game," said Sierra head coach Brandie Murrish. "Our ability to press them on defense and control the boards at both ends was what turned it around for us in the second half."

In a game that featured countless bumps and bruises for both teams, Sierra's Taylor Avila (10 points, 7 rebounds) led the team with at least 10 trips to the floor while battling for rebounds and loose balls.

Sierra was able to slow, but not stop, Irvine Valley's talented trio of Kasey Smit (18 points, just two in the second half), Lexi Vail (16) and Elizabeth Garcia (15).

"It was important to play as a team, like we always usually do," said Avila. "We needed everybody to contribute against a team like that. We all provide our own pieces and we were able to capitalize on that and stop them."

Sierra will play Mt. San Jacinto (30-2) on Saturday at 3 pm. The Eagles were the only Southern California team to advance, beating College of the Sequoias 65-46 on Thursday.

Other CCCAA quarterfinal scores:
Merced 61, Palomar 59
Fresno City 88, LA Trade Tech 81

Story by Scott Johnston. Photo by Dave Lawicka