Lady Huskies Come Up Short In State Semi-Final

Note From The Editor:  ELAC’s “Lady Huskies” amazing 2014-15 season ended just two victories shy of their dream coming true as the 2015 Women’s State Champions. It ended sadly, but gallantly, as they played hard and determined in their semi-final match up with Chabot College, located in Hayward, CA. Although a furious rally brought them to within just four points after trailing by double digits midway through the second half, their turnovers at the 37:00 mark in the game cost them dearly, as a close game managed to slip away from them. But, true to their team character, togetherness, and “no quit” attitude for the entire season, they re-grouped for that one patented Lady Huskies final rally.

In a look back and analysis of their biggest game of the season, the Lady Huskies  just couldn’t find the same chemistry, rhythm, momentum, and synchronization they had triumphantly displayed the previous weekend against Irvine Valley College. With that historic victory, the team earned its place in the State’s Final Four. Head Coach Bruce Turner did an amazing job against Chabot in rallying the team for their final lunge at the finish line, but it just wasn’t enough.

And with this immeasurable loss in the first semi-final game, the ELAC Women’s team closed their book on a tremendously successful and history-making season. There’s still much to celebrate and many great memories to be recalled for this special team that just got better with each game. Now, having left their legacy with their deserved “One Moment In Time” and reaching the State’s Final Four, South Coast Conference (SCC) teams and other state-ranked schools will certainly be more aware of the Lady Huskies’ court presence and competitiveness in the coming seasons. A Huge Congrats to the Team, Coaches, Players, Training Staff, Administration, and Support staff for an historic and outstanding season!

Tournament Update: With their victory over ELAC, Chabot advanced to the state championship game on March 15th and faced Mt. San Antonio College  (33-0) who defeated San Joaquin Delta College  (27-5) in the other Semi-Final contest. In the Women’s Championship game, Chabot College became State Champions with a 63-58 win over Mt. SAC. Congrats to the Chabot College “Lady Gladiators!”  Rico Cabrera, Sr./Editor, EastLASportsScene.Com

Credits: Press Release, Jerry Hannula, Assistant Athletic Director, Saddleback College, California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA); Photo Gallery, Tadzio Garcia, ELAC Campus News. For Full CCCAA 2015 State Tournament Recaps, click here.

March 14, 2015/Press Release RE: CCCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Semifinal #1

Gladiators Glad to Hang On For Trip To Championship Game

(NORWALK, CA) – The Chabot College women’s basketball will play for the California community college state title on Sunday afternoon following an 84-77 victory over East Los Angeles College in the women’s basketball state semifinals Saturday in the Cerritos College gym.

Chabot (30-3)  held a 40-31 lead at the intermission and enjoyed a double-digit lead for most of the second half until East Los Angeles (29-4)  started a late comeback run. The Huskies cut the deficit down to single digits with just over three minutes to play and made it a four-point game at 1:11 and again with just :35 on the clock after an offensive rebound and put-back by  Dynasti Shelby.

Alana Simon  had 28 points for the Gladiators along with nine rebounds while Michelle Townsend  added 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Briana Booker  snagged 10 rebounds.

East Los Angeles’ comeback was spearheaded by freshman point guard Olivia Ochoa. Ochoa had just four points in the first half but added 25 in the second half to finish with 29 points and nine rebounds. She also added seven assists before fouling out in the closing seconds. Jocelyne Diaz  added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Huskies.

Both teams had 52 rebounds as East Los Angeles shot 32%  from the field (25-of-78) while Chabot shot nearly 38%  (28-of-74). The most impressive stat of the game came at the foul line as both teams shot over 80%  at the charity stripe. Chabot hit 15  consecutive free throws and East Los Angeles added nine consecutive as the teams combined for 24  straight foul shots without a miss.

Simon had 11 first half points for the Gladiators while Kyla Martin-Burnley  had 12 first-half points for East Los Angeles.

Photo Gallery: Hover over each photo and click once for an enhanced image.