Zavala Leads Lady Cougars to Big Conference Win Over Citrus

Stock action image of College of the Canyon women's basketball student-athlete Vanessa Zavala gliding through the air on her way toward making a layup.
February 13, 2024

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director  

College of the Canyons ended its brief two-game skid with a 70-57 conference victory over visiting Citrus College on Lee Smelser Court at the Cougar Cage Saturday night.

Canyons (13-11, 6-4) continues to sit in a tie for third in the Western State Conference (WSC), South Division to maintain postseason aspirations. Saturday's win over Citrus (18-6, 8-2) put an end to the Owl's four-game win streak and kept Canyons within striking distance of the conference top spot with four games left on the schedule.

COC limited Citrus to a shooting mark of just over 29 percent. The Owls attempted 24 long-range shots in the game but hit on just four. Those low numbers helped COC overcome its own mistakes, namely in the form of 23 turnovers. The Lady Cougars were also aided by a 59-33 rebounding advantage which included a season-high 22 boards from Vanessa Zavala.

Zavala also led the squad with 20 points and three blocks in what was another stellar performance by the six-foot-inch freshman forward.

The Lady Cougars opened up a 15-6 first quarter advantage before ending the first half ahead 34-20. The Owls made a slight second-half run but were repeatedly turned away by the hot hand of Zavala who was four-of-six from three-point land.

Jade Sims scored 16 points with a block, four rebounds and three assists to help ensure the win. Hannah Tolentino scored 13 and Aaliyah Garcia added 10 to the mix to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Amiya Robinson's six points and seven rebounds off the bench provided a nice boost for the Lady Cougars.

Citrus saw the bulk of its scoring come from Jolleen Olia with 22 points on an 8-of-27 shooting night.

The Lady Cougars next travel to Antelope Valley College for a 7 p.m. tip on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. 

—Photo by Carla Sophia Velasco/COC Sports Information