Coming out with relentless defensive pressure, the Cerritos College women's basketball team scored the first 14 points against MiraCosta College en route to a 71-44 win in their home opener on Tuesday. The Falcons (6-2) will get a week off before they compete in the Irvine Valley College Crossover, with their first game scheduled against Rio Hondo College at 5:00 p.m. on December 3. Cerritos defeated the Roadrunners, 57-49 back on November 12 at the Riverside City Tournament.

The Falcons forced five Spartans (3-2) turnovers during that quick start, which included missing their first seven shots. The transition from defense to offense was very smooth for Cerritos, who received points from five different players to help them get out to a 14-0 start. Although they had some struggles with their shot, it was the overall aggressive approach to their game, as well as their offensive rebounds and second chances that played a big role.

By halftime, Cerritos had 13 offensive rebounds, with freshman Dominique Harrison (John Glenn HS) making the most of her chances under the basket. Of her seven first half points, all three of her baskets came as a result of offensive rebounds. In the span of :40 seconds, the Falcons turned a 29-9 game into a 37-9 lead, thanks to three-pointers from freshmen Cynthia Estrada (John Glenn HS) and Ashley Miller (Paramount HS), while Harrison added a basket.

The Spartans did outscore the Falcons, 21-17 in the third quarter, but a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter made it a 64-34 with 3:35 remaining in the game. Harrison, who finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, accounted for seven of her points in the fourth quarter.

Freshman Ilani Avila (Downey HS) led the team with 15 points and added five rebounds, with Flores finishing with 11 points, five assists and three steals. Off the bench, Miller (seven points, four rebounds) and Estrada (seven points, eight rebounds) joined Harrison in making key contributions.

Photos by Daryl Peterson