Hosting crosstown rival Long Beach City College on Friday night in a South Coast Conference South Division game, the Cerritos College women's basketball team saw their comeback fall short in an 83-71 loss. The Falcons (9-12, 1-1) will travel to Los Angeles Harbor College next Wednesday for a 5:00 p.m. divisional game.

After spotting the Vikings (14-6, 2-0) a 31-point first quarter, Cerritos clawed their way back and drew to within 45-44 after a Cynthia Almanzar (John Glenn HS) layup with 6:17 remaining in the third quarter. Both teams traded baskets before Long Beach City went on 15-4 run over the next five minutes and maintained a double digit lead for the majority of the rest of the game.

Cerritos worked their way back into the game by driving to the basket and scored most of their 40 points in the paint during their comeback and in the second half. The Vikings were able to close out the game by converting 10-of-16 free throws in the fourth quarter and 19-of-27 for the game.

Sophomore Damarie Saldivar (Paramount HS) led all scorers with 23 points before fouling out, while also adding five rebounds, five steals and three assists. Also playing a solid all-around game was sophomore Ashley Miller (Paramount HS), who finished with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, with freshman Bridgette McIntyre (St. Anthony HS) posting 13 rebounds and six assists. Coming off the bench, freshman Miah Nayback (La Serna HS) added six points and three rebounds, with freshman Siara Avila (Downey HS) pulling down a season-high six rebounds.

Photos by Daryl Peterson