The Citrus College women’s basketball team was defeated by Fullerton City College in the first round of the 3C2A playoffs 80-47 on Feb. 26.
What looked to be a game the Owls had in their grasp slowly faded away after the first quarter.
Guard Kristin Morella, who was leading the Owls, was a big threat, consistently driving in the lane and dropping six points in the first, with two rebounds and an assist.
To couple with Morena’s offense, center Samantha Maritinez and point guard Breanna Escobedo were holding down the back line for the Owls. The two combined for a total of four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Unfortunately for the Owls, that’s where the lead came to an end.
Fullerton College outscored Citrus the rest of the game 64-30.
Fullerton guard Kaylee Shimoda had the hot hand from three, knocking down five after the first and going on to have 24 points the rest of the game.
Guard for the Owls Leilani Argueta was automatic from three as well, draining home 4 threes and serving as one of the bright spots for the Owls.
“I felt like I was finding my rhythm and had a feel for the ball,” Argueta said.
Jeriko Santos, Citrus’ coach, is confident that this loss will serve as a life lesson for his team.
“The biggest things were the lessons that they learned at the end, being able to compete and fight,” Santos said. “We wanted them to learn that and hopefully wherever they move on next they’ll be able to apply that to life.”
In addition to life lessons that they learned, Santos said he thinks this loss will propel his players in the future.
“Obviously this will be the bad taste left in their mouth, knowing that your season can end at any given moment,” Santos said. “I hope this motivated them to not want to go out like this in whatever they are trying to achieve.”
