The Ventura Women's Basketball team pummeled the number one ranked Mt. Sac in the finals for the Kiwanis Tournament of Champions.
Sophomore forward Candace Sakuda was proud of her team's performance as they executed the plans they had made for the game.
"We stuck to our offense and defense plan, not letting their quick pace game style affect us," said Sakuda. "Our main goal is to keep progressing as a team and not ever taking a step backwards."
Ventura started off strong, scoring the first eight points of the game leading 14-12 in the first half.
The number two ranked Pirates manage to keep their small lead and finish the first half 27-26, with sophomore point guard Rebecca Griffin having 10 points.
The Pirates came out of the locker room focused and managed to build a 33-28 lead with 16 minutes left to play.
Just as VC thought they were safe, Mt. Sac evened out the game 35-35. The gym was filled with anticipation with everyone knowing the game could go either way.
Mt. Sac then took the lead 49-43 with only seven minutes left on the clock. The Mounties started to feel confident when all of a sudden Ventura began to make their way towards the lead with Hanna Burg delivering a 3-pointer that cut the score to 54-53. The Pirates finished off the Mounties with a five point lead, ending the game 60-55.
Rebecca Griffin earned the tournament MVP with 15 points to lead the Pirates and Destinee LaFountain followed up with nine points, earning All-Tournament honors.
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