W. Basketball: Falcons get swept at tournament

File Photo: Alii Salone scored 12 points in the Falcons loss to Palomar
File Photo: Alii Salone scored 12 points in the Falcons loss to Palomar

On the heels of winning their season opener, the Cerritos College women's basketball team traveled to the Mt. San Jacinto Tournament over the weekend and were defeated in both games. The Falcons (1-2) opened with a 70-62 loss to Cypress College and then had trouble scoring in the second half against Palomar College and suffered an 81-62 loss. The team will now travel to MiraCosta College on Friday for a 3:00 p.m. game.

In the loss to Cypress, the game was close from start to finish, but where Cerritos struggled was at the foul line, as they converted only 10-of-23, while they shot just 4-for-19 from three-point range. Sophomore Nia Lateju (Norwalk HS) led the team with 21 points with nine rebounds, but netted just 6-of-13 free throws. Freshman Selena Romero (Lakewood HS) made 7-of-18 shots for 18 points and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds, while a trio of players finished with five points apiece.

It was a 41-41 tie at halftime with Palomar, but the Falcons were just 6-for-31 from the field in the second half and were limited to 21 points. Sophomore guard Jacalyn Saiza (Santa Fe HS) led the team with 15 points and added four rebounds, while the duo of Romero (10 rebounds) and sophomore Alii Salone (Gahr HS) finished with 12 points each, while Salone also contributed eight rebounds and three assists. Turnovers also hurt Cerritos, as they committed 27 on the day.