MISSION VIEJO, CA – The Cypress College women's basketball team (15-7, 7-1 OEC) went on the road to defeat the Saddleback Gauchos (4-14, 1-7 OEC) on Friday night, 71-62.

The Chargers and Gauchos went back and forth in the first quarter, but the Chargers were able to pull away to take a 19-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.

A slow start for the Charger offense in the second quarter allowed the Gauchos take a 14-point lead. The Chargers were held scoreless for the opening five minutes of the second quarter until sophomore center, Nicole Miller, would break the scoreless streak with a jump shot. Hannah Avila-McArthur and Janei-Ruby Fuamatu helped chip away at the Gauhos' lead before halftime. Saddleback held a 39-28 lead at the half following the 23-9 second quarter run. 

The Chargers made their comeback in the third quarter led by freshman guard Pressila Blanco. Blanco poured in 12 third quarter points to help the Chargers regain control. Cypress outscored Saddleback 28-10 in the third quarter to take a 56-49 lead into the final frame. The Lady Chargers managed to hang on to their lead, going on to win, 71-62.

Avila-McArthur, Blanco, and Fuamatu each netted 17 points for the Chargers. Avila-McArthur notched another double-double, grabbing 14 rebounds, while Fuamatu finished with 7 assists on the night.

Women's basketball will return to action on Wednesday night at home against the Riverside City College Tigers at 7:00pm. 

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