After losing to one of their rivals, L.A. Pierce, this past Saturday, the Lady Raiders basketball team came ready to play against SBCC beating them 58-43. Throughout the entire game, the Lady Raiders kept a comfortable lead and did not let up on their defensive game.

“Our defense, particularly in the first half, was really good- that was a point of emphasis for us,” sophomore guard Sam McCarthy said.

The Raiders held the visiting Vaqueros 27-12 at the half and kept their defense up the entire game. In the second both teams scored 31 points, but the Raiders allowed every player into the game, rather than just the starting five.

“Everybody got the chance to play and it just gets everyone more hyped,” said McCarthy.

With high energy and determination, each player took advantage of their opportunity on the court. Leading the team was Riley Abraham with 25 points and 19 rebounds. Ashley Ontiveros had nine points and two assists and Lindsay Neuner added six points and five assists.

“The game was fantastic,” Athletic Director Howard Davis said. “They did a good job defensively.”

Throughout the entire game, the Lady Raiders never lowered their intensity and made sure to stay focused on what they came there to do- win. Though this is their second time beating the Vaqueros (the first in the Antelope Valley Tournament), the Lady Raiders did not use it as a reason to let up or give in at any point during the game.

“Every team in our conference is good so we have to work for every single game and we have to have a good couple practices before Saturday,” said McCarthy.

The Lady Raiders face College of the Canyons this Saturday, Jan. 18, in their fourth WSC game. Canyons has a 1-1 WSC record and 7-10 overall record.

“Our girls have the ability to win every game in league and really any game they face,” said Davis. “We can play with the best teams.”