By Wes McCurtis
EL CAJON, CA – The Cypress College women's basketball captured the Grossmont Tournament championship to finish off their non-conference schedule over the weekend. The Lady Chargers defeated Southwestern, LA Trade-Tech, and Foothill on their way to their first tournament championship of the season. Sophomore guard Gabby Carbajal was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while sophomore guard Vivian Lara received All-Tournament honors.
The Chargers began their tournament run with a hard fought victory over Southwestern on Thursday, 64-58. Cypress' defense managed hold Southwestern to 28% shooting, while outrebounding the Jaguars 49-37. Carbajal led the way with 18 points, but Cypress did most of their damage by committee in the paint. Freshman Christa Evans finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds, including 7 on the offensive glass. Freshman Tyrian Hudson added 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Cypress then defeated LA Trade-Tech in the tournament semi-final on Friday, 68-57. Despite turning the ball over 24 times, leading to 21 more shot attempts for LATTC, the Chargers found a way to grind out a victory. Freshman Hannah-Avila McArthur finished with her fourth double-double of the season, logging 17 points and 18 boards. Carbajal and Lara finished with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
The Lady Chargers came ready to play on championship Saturday, knocking off Foothill College in the tournament final, 76-50. Cypress jumped out on top early and never lost the lead, turning the ball over just 9 times, winning the rebounding battle, and shooting a season-high 55% from the floor. Five Chargers scored in double-figures to close out the tournament. Tournament MCP Gabby Carbajal led the way with 20 points and 4 assists, while All-Tournament selection Vivian Lara finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds to notch her first double-double of the season.
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