MOORPARK, CA- Cypress women's basketball (23-7, 9-3 OEC) upset the Moorpark Raiders (24-6, 12-0 WSC) in the SoCal Regional Final.
The visiting Chargers that were ranked #12 in the playoff bracket took on the #4 seeded Raiders for a ticket to the state tournament. Cypress jumped ahead of the Raiders early as they applied pressure and forced turnovers. As the first quarter neared the end, both teams nailed three-point shots in back-and-forth action. Bianca Olega sunk a three to help Cypress maintain their advantage as the frame concluded. The Chargers led the first ten minutes with a score of 18-15.
Halfway through the second quarter, the Chargers worked to regain control and went up by seven points which forced the Raiders to take a timeout. The play was consistent from both benches as Cypress stayed ahead and was on top at the end of the first half, 34-30.
In the third, a game of possession ensued with the visiting team able to keep their edge. Thao Truong drained the clock at the end of the quarter and forced a foul that allowed her to make a bucket in the final seconds. The Chargers pulled away five minutes into the third frame off of key rebounds and shots. After a timeout, Cypress took an eight-point lead in their pursuit to separate themselves. To start the final frame, the fourth seed took a double-digit lead. Multiple Raider fouls increased their deficit and made way for the Chargers to stay ahead.
Cypress carried the momentum into the final minutes as they won, 67-57. MVP of the OEC, Ashley Hawkins led the Chargers scorers and earned a double-double with her 18 points and 10 rebounds. Alexcia Alvarez, All-OEC Second Team selection, was second in Cypress points with 11 points and 3 steals. It was a team effort up and down the roster with every player able to make a contribution.
In her first year as Head Coach, Brittany Imaku has steered the Chargers into a final four SoCal appearance. The ten-point victory sends Cypress to the state competition where they will face off against #1 seed in the NorCal bracket, Butte College.
DETAILS: Per CCCAA regulations, tickets will be $12 for Adults and $8 for Youth/Students/Seniors 55+.
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