Canyons is Runner-Up at PCC Tourney, Starts Season 2-1

College of the Canyons women's basketball vs. Chaffey College on Nov. 3, 2023.
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November 5, 2023

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director 

PASADENA — College of the Canyons opened its season with back-to-back wins before falling 67-61 vs. Imperial Valley College in the championship game of the Pasadena City College Sisterhood of Champions Tournament on Saturday.

Canyons (2-1) opened the tourney with a dominating 75-48 win over San Bernardino Valley College during Thursday's first round action. The Lady Cougars saw four starters finish in double figures including a game-high 22 points from Jade Sims.

On Friday, COC was able to outlast Chaffey College 60-56 in the team's first home game, hosting second round action at Lee Smelser Court at the Cougar Cage. The Lady Cougars quickly opened an eight-point first quarter lead and then held on the rest of the way. 

Chaffey (1-1) trailed 52-43 headed into the final frame but pressured Canyons until the final buzzer in nearly coming all the way back. Freshman Aaliyah Garcia was able to sink a pair of free throws with six seconds remaining to seal the victory for COC.

Garcia finished with a game-high 24 points to go with five assists and three steals. Sophomore Hannah Tolentino was able to get going early and ended her day with 17 points on an 8-of-11 shooting performance. Sims contributed with eight points and four assists also leading the way with nine rebounds.

In Saturday's championship round it was Imperial Valley (3-0) able to come away with a six-point edge over Canyons in the fourth quarter to take the tourney title. IVC received 28 points from Orian Anderson who converted on 16-of-19 foul shots.

Vanessa Zavala scored 18 points to go with eight rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Tolentino, Garcia and Alexis Ruelas each finished in double-digits but it wasn't enough.

The Lady Cougars are back in action 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the opening round of the Moorpark College Invitational vs. the host Raiders. The tourney bracket runs through Nov. 11.

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