El Cajon, CA - The Cypress College women's basketball team capped off 2015 with their first tournament title of the season after defeating Santa Ana 73-66 in the Grossmont Tournament. Freshman guard Dominique Culho was named Tournament MVP while freshman guard Alyssa Movchan earned a spot on the All-Tournament team. The team boasts a 13-4 overall record and are currently riding a four-game winning streak.
Quarterfinal: Cypress 79 – Citrus 75
The Chargers opened up their tournament run with a narrow victory over Citrus thanks to an overall team effort on both ends of the floor. Four players scored in double digits for Cypress, including Monique Mesa who led the team with 13 points and nine rebounds. The Chargers were trailing 18-13 in the first quarter, but managed to climb back and tie the game at 31 apiece. The Chargers closed the half with a 10-3 run to take a 41-34 lead.
Cypress couldn't build a comfortable lead in the second half as Citrus kept the game close; however, Citrus opened up the fourth quarter with a 10-4 run to close in on the Chargers 71-70. The two teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter, but Bianca Silva closed the door after hitting a jumper with 20 seconds left to take a 77-75 lead followed by a steal.
Semifinal: Cypress 72 – Barstow 59
Cypress College frustrated Barstow with their high-pressure defense, taking a 72-59 victory in the second round of the tournament. The Chargers compiled 17 steals, forced the Vikings into 30 turnovers, and a 31.8 field goal percentage. Dominique Culho led the team with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six steals while Monique Mesa scored 17 points and pulled down seven rebounds.
Cypress got off to a hot start, going on an 11-3 run to take a 17-9 lead in the first quarter. The Vikings went on a 8-2 run to tie the game at 19 apiece. After Coach Mohr called a timeout, the Chargers went on a 12-4 run and gradually pulled the lead away.
Championship: Cypress 73 – Santa Ana 66
Clutch shooting and resilient defense carried the Chargers to first place in their 73-66 victory over Orange Empire Conference rival Santa Ana. Erika Nilsen had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds while guard Alyssa Movchan scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, and nabbed six steals.
The Chargers were trailing 57-45 at the start of the fourth quarter, but managed to gradually chip away at the lead. Down 66-60, the Chargers held the Dons scoreless during the final four minutes of the game. The Chargers 13-0 run down the stretch propeled them to victory.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.