The Ventura College women’s basketball team was put to the test against a talented Citrus College squad, but a stellar defense gave them a 74-56 victory in the 1st Round of the playoffs Saturday night at the Ventura Athletic Center.

Julie Heurung had a double-double, which included 20 points and 18 rebounds while Donielle Griggs added 14 points. Jazmine Matthews lead the Owls with 16 points, who defeated L.A. Pierce College in the play-in game Tuesday night, advancing them to the first-round matchup with the Pirates.

Ventura started the game off sluggish, trailing 6-3 in the early going before jumping out to a lead as large as twelve points, leading Citrus College 36-25 at the half.

Citrus was never able to come back, trailing by as many as 22 points in the second half. Erika Ward’s three pointer and successive layup nailed in the coffin for the Pirates, who lead 62-45 with 6:05 remaining at this point.

Coach Mercetic was impressed with his team’s performance.

“The ultimate goal in the playoffs is to simply play the game,” Mercetic said. “We ran in transition well, getting the shots we wanted.”

Pirates Center Julie Heurung felt good about her team’s performance, emphasizing the need to continually play hard.

“We have to play hard,” Heurung said. “We can’t lose.”

The victory gave the Pirates a 32-0 mark on the season, and a trip to the Southern Section Playoffs Quarterfinals or the regional finals.

The Pirates are set to host Canyons College next Saturday at 7 p.m.