SANTA ANA- The Dons picked up their first win of the 2016-17 season with a 67-64 victory over visiting Santa Monica College. The win came behind a 20-point performance by Jen Ventura as the Dons move to 1-1.
During the first quarter, Santa Monica scored the first points off of two free throws. Sophomore Taylor Ivicevic answered back by scoring two free throws to tie the score 2-2. Sophomore Blaysen Varnadoe kept the Dons ahead by scoring two layups to win the 20-17 quarter.
Jen Ventura shined in the second quarter by scoring eight points in a row including two three-point jump shots. It was the Dons best quarter defensively by only allowing Santa Monica 11 points.
Blaysen Varnadoe continued the Dons' lead in the third quarter by scoring 5 points out the gate. Jen Ventura added to the lead by scoring 4 more points for the Dons to end the third quarter at a nail-biting 48-46 lead.
The Dons ironed out the fourth quarter by outscoring Santa Monica 19-18. Blaysen Varnadoe also led SAC with a top performace of 15 points.
Women's basketball will play again on Nov. 11-13 at the Riverside City College Tournament.