It was a successful weekend for the Hancock Women's Basketball program, going 2-1 overall in the Cuesta College Tournament, and winning the consolation championship game on Saturday.
On opening day, the Bulldogs faced off against West L.A. College. The Bulldogs shot poorly early, allowing the Cougars to jump to a 17-8 lead in the first quarter.
The second quarter was more of the same. The Bulldogs were outscored 12-15 and facing a 12-point deficit to go into the half.
Head Coach Nerelli rallied the troops at halftime and the Bulldogs came out defending with a new purpose, closing the gap to just 6 points by the end of the third quarter.
The Bulldogs took that momentum into the fourth quarter, taking the lead for the first time, and setting the stage for a big-time comeback. But West L.A. hit a big three-pointer with just 3 seconds left on the game clock.
Hancock had one last shot as the clock expired but fell short. West L.A. won by a single point 60-61.
Despite a poor shooting night, three Bulldogs scored in double-figures. Sophomore guard from Pioneer Valley High School, Tawny Lino led the way with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Sophomore point-guard from Nipomo High School, Kylie Mendez had 13 points and 6 assists. Lompoc High School product Danielle Morgan chipped in with 12 points and 5 rebounds.
The Bulldogs did not have much time to dwell on the heart-breaking loss, as they faced a San Diego City College team on Day 2.
The Knights didn't know what hit them. The Lady Bulldogs came out on fire, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and holding San Diego City to just 7 points.
The Bulldogs added to their lead in the second quarter, up 38-17 going into the half.
It has a become a signature of the Lady Bulldogs to come out of the half with a renewed defensive focus. This game would be no different. They held the Knights to a 6 point quarter, while netting 17 points on the offensive end.
With a lead 55-23 lead going into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs would not take their foot off the gas. The Bulldogs sliced through the Knights full-court press and stretch the lead even further. The Bulldogs won easily by a score of 78-35.
Again, it was a balanced scoring effort, with four Bulldogs scoring in double-figures. Danielle Morgan had a big game with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Freshman Willow Bailey, from Morro Bay High School, contributed with 13 points, including shooting a perfect 2-2 from the three-point line, and 5 rebounds. Sophomore forward from Lompoc High School, Tashara Pruett also scored 13 points and snatched 5 steals. Tawny Lino chipped in with 11 points.
The victory placed the Bulldogs in the consolation championship game on Day 3 against Las Positas College.
The Bulldogs controlled the game from tip-off and would do so the entire game, leading by double-figures all four quarters, and winning by 21 points with a final score 69-48.
Danielle Morgan went off for 24 points, on 3-6 shooting from the three-point line, and grabbed 14 rebounds in the victory. Tawny Lino was second in scoring with 15 points. Kylie Mendez had a solid stat line with 10 points, 7 steals, and 6 assists.
Danielle Morgan received All-Tournament honors.
Next, the Bulldogs host their annual Toys for Tots 8-team tournament Dec. 6th-8th at Joe White Memorial Gymnasium. Teams include Orange Coast, Merritt, Santa Ana, L.A Southwest, Santa Barbara, Glendale, and Siskiyous.