McKenzie Nets 12 in Pirate Setback at LA Valley

Pirate sophomore Sam McKenzie scored 12 points to lead the Pirates' women's basketball team Thursday as they dropped a 54-41 decision at Los Angeles Valley in the opening round of the LAVC Buddy's All-Star Classic. Alexa Coubal added eight points and 12 rebounds to the effort for Ventura and Milan Garcia netted seven.

McKenzie and Garcia each scored lay-ups early, and Garcia's t3-pointer gave VC (2-4) a 7-5 lead midway through the first quarter. Ariella Harrison hit from range for a 12-9 Pirate edge before the Monarch scored the final seven points of the period.

Charnelle Nichols scored a bucket with 8:32 remaining in the first half to pull Ventura to within 16-14, but the Pirate offense went cold at that point as they could not find the bottom of the next for the remainder of the stanza. Fortunately, the Pirate defense played well in the quarter, limiting LA Valley to a 23-14 lead at intermission.

LAVC scored the first bucket of the second half before Coubal and Alanna Topete each scored to break the Pirates' skid. McKenzie hit a jumper for a 31-22 VC deficit at the 7:31 mark before the Monarchs were able to hold a double-digit lead for the remainder of the period.

In the final 10 minutes, Ventura was not able to cut into the Valley lead, ultimately falling 54-41.

The Pirates move to the consolation semifinals of the bracket on Friday Dec. 13, playing San Diego Mesa at 3:00 pm at LA Valley in Valley Glen.