“There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!” Contrary to the famous saying in the animated series “Underdog,” the Ventura College Pirates women’s basketball team saw that when the underdog is here, there is a need to fear.
And the Pirates got quite a scare in their 70-62 victory over the Laney College Eagles in the State Tournament quarterfinals at Cal Lutheran’s Gilbert Arena on March 11.
The Pirates (32-1) were in jeopardy of falling victim to a monumental upset before a late second-half surge helped the Pirates squeeze out the victory.
The Eagles’ 2-2-1 full court press created a total nightmare for the Pirates, as the Eagles forced 17 turnovers in the first half and created those turnovers into 14 points.
Pirates head coach Ned Mircetic believes that points off turnovers are a real back-breaker to any team.
“Well turnovers are the kiss of death,” Mircetic said. “Their less possessions for you and extra possessions for them [Eagles].”
Pirates forward Chanelle Brennan felt that the full-court press was extremely overwhelming and allowed a larger room for error.
“It’s more stressful than difficult because I know we can come back,” Brennan said. “It’s just a stressful situation that you have to know how to cope with.”
The Pirates were able to freely break the press in the second half, allowing for easy opportunities to score.
Down by as many as 11 in the first half, the Pirates regained their first lead since early in the second half on a free throw by Brennan after an intentional foul was called on the Eagles’ Laticia Booker. Brennan made one of two to give the Pirates a 52-51 lead with 6:30 remaining in the second half.
This play proved to be the deciding point in a game where the underdog, contrary to the animated series, gave the Pirates fear and anxiety.
According to Mircetic, despite only two losses dating back to last season, it is a “dog-eat-dog” atmosphere in the State Tournament.
“You know you step into a game in these kinds of situations in the playoffs,” he said. “It’s like a 50-50 proposition…so anything can happen.”
For Pirates sophomore guard Erika Ward, the Pirates need to continue to play their game.
“[We] need to not be intimidated by anybody,” said Ward. “Just come out like we always play and be ourselves, and I think we’ll be okay.”
The Pirates are set to play in the State semi-final against San Francisco City College this Saturday at 3 p.m. A victory would send the Pirates to their first State Championship appearance since 2002.
