A season of devastating season-ending injuries, incredible highs and heart-breaking losses finally came to an end Saturday night at Mt. San Jacinto College(29-2). The highly resilient Raiders (19-13) could not overcome a 16-0 Eagle run in the 2nd half, and lost 61-42. Prior to that run, which oddly enough was started by a technical foul on a Mt San Jacinto player, the game was a highly intense, close battle.
The Southern California Regional Final, and final eight in the state, was the furthest Raider playoff run since 1997. At least for now. “We’re going to continue to build the program,” Head Coach Lindsay Goldblatt said. “We’ve been improving every year and we’re going to continue to do that.”
Freshman Raider center Riley Abraham had 12 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Gabrielle Root had nine points. Alison Dobner dished five assists. MC was plagued by poor shooting, 28.8% from the field, and made only 1-of-18 three-point attempts. “We had a tough night offensively,” said Goldblatt. Much of that can be attributed to the Eagle defense spurred by a packed gymnasium.
“They are a very talented team,” said Goldblatt. “They’ve got some very good players and they’re going to be tough to beat.” The Eagles will advance to State Championship tournament and will take on the #1 seed from Northern California, Santa Rosa Junior College.
For Moorpark to be a game from the State Final Four is amazing by itself. Just three weeks ago, the Raiders were unsure if they would even qualify for the playoffs. Their season started very strong, and brought expectations for a banner season after winning nine of the first 11 games. Then, an ACL tear to key sophomore guard Kathleen Avery threw off the Raiders rotation contributing to eight losses in the next 12 games. Then, came a season-ending injury to starting guard Torrey Hill. Included in that were two heart-breaking losses to rival Ventura College. In one game, Ventura hit a shot with 2 second remaining to get the 51-50 win. At Ventura, the Raiders dominated the game, leading for virtually the entire game, before the Pirates pulled out a two-point win. Even through all that adversity, the Raiders finished WSC play winning three of its last four to capture a #10 seed. Then, an 18-point comeback win over Orange Empire Conference champion, Cypress College vaulted the Raiders to the Regional Semifinals. There, the Raiders faced Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Champion, Palomar College. The Raiders controlled that game start-to-finish. But, the Raiders were unable to knock off there third straight conference champion at Mt San Jacinto.
The Raiders enjoyed a contingent of loyal fans that made the five-hour round trip to Hemet, including most parents and families. Also, rooting on the Raiders were Professors Cynthia Barnett, Ranford Hopkins, and Academic Senate President Riley Dwyer, as well as Dean Lori Bennett and Administrative Assistant Diane Costabile.
Moorpark will lose All-WSC guard Camilla Chun, All-WSC forward Katie Lenik, and All-WSC guard Gabrielle Root to graduation. So, while there are big holes to fill, the returning group, anchored by Abraham and what is appearing to be a bumper recruiting class, give the Raiders cause for optimism.
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