The Ventura Pirates squeezed out a win over the Lady Raiders in a hard fought game on Wednesday night at Raider Pavilion, 52-48.
The Lady Raiders started well, taking the first lead of the game with a shot by Charnae Thomas and maintained the lead through the first 10 minutes of the half, with a score of 13-11. The Pirates finished the half in better fashion, with great shots and tenacious defense that allowed them to walk into the locker room at halftime with a 31-22 lead.
The Lady Raiders came out in the second half with a spark, this time with a 2 point shot made by Camilla Chun, but the Pirates still dominated with a score of 47-32, leaving Moorpark behind, with just 8 minutes to play in the game.
Suddenly, the Lady Raiders seemed to adjust their defense and go on a run of their own, started by great guard play from Ashley Samson. Putting the Raiders ahead, 48-47, with two minutes left.
“They were well prepared, well coached, and disciplined,” said Assistant Coach Ned Mircetic. “They worked hard and played excellent defense.”
With only one minute remaining, the Raiders were forced to foul giving the Pirates free throws, which were then converted by Stephanie Ramirez to tie the score at 48-48. More fouls followed, some made by Camilla Chun, thus allowing Rebecca Griffin from the Pirates to set up the winning baskets with three free throws. One more free throw made in the final seconds by Rian Mew to close the game at 48-52.
Ventura’s win over Moorpark keeps the Pirates undefeated and in first place in the Western State Conference. On the other hand Moorpark players kept a positive attitude; “We are going to come out even stronger, even harder and more confident,” said AnneMarie Avery. Samson was sure that even though they lost the game, the game would help them get better.
Head Coach Lindsay Goldblatt was extremely proud of her team despite the loss. “It’s not over by any means, and we are looking forward to start the second half of conference,” said Goldblatt.
The Raiders drop to (5-1) in the conference and continue to look forward to their future games.
