Four Owls Headed to Next Level

Glendora, CA (Women's Basketball) -- Four sophomores from the 2011-2012 Citrus College Women's Basketball team have signed scholarship offers and are headed to the next level. Brianna Barfield (Cal State Fullerton), Jasmine Cox (Dominican University), Yvonne Sanchez (Dominican University), and Julia Tani (California Maritime Academy), will all be playing at four-year schools next fall.

Barfield, who was a two time 1st team All-WSC South selection for the Owls, will become Citrus' first NCAA DI player in over a decade. During the 2011-2012 season Barfield led the team in scoring, averaging 14.8 points per game and was second in rebounding, pulling down 7.3 boards per contest.

"Fullerton has been recruiting me since I left high school, and they've kept up with it," Barfield said. "They've made me feel wanted, and I wanted to be somewhere where they needed me. They offer me a good opportunity to compete at the next level."

"I am extremely happy for Brianna and her decision to play for Coach [Marcia] Foster at Cal St Fullerton," Head Citrus College Women's Basketball Coach Tamara McDonald.  "Marsh is not only a demanding coach she has special way of building relationships with her players. I know Brianna will be a great addition to their program."

Over her two year career at Citrus, Barfield averaged 15.2 points per game average, which is third all-time in program history. Her 8.5 rebounds per game career average is also third all-time in the Citrus record books.

"The Citrus coaches have played a huge role in me getting to this point. They gave me a second chance to come back here, and have worked with me to get this far," Barfield said. "When I first came back to Citrus, I was a little standoffish. Throughout the season the girls and coaches gave me chance to open up, and become a part of this team. Citrus has been a positive experience for me."

Cox leaves the Owls after two successful seasons in the post for Citrus. During her sophomore campaign, Cox averaged a team best 8.0 rebounds per game to go along with 7.4 points per contest. Cox also blocked a team high 24 shots. Cox will continue her career next year at Dominican University of California which participates in NCAA DII competition.

"Dominican's level of competition appealed to me," Cox said. "I wanted a chance to be somewhere different, and go somewhere where I can succeed athletically and academically."

In her two seasons with the Owls, Cox averaged 8.36 rebounds per game and blocked 50 shots. Her career rebounding average is fourth all-time and her total blocks is third. Cox is also third all-time in the history books in individual rebounds in a game. Cox once reeled in 18 boards at West LA during her freshman season.

"Citrus has been instrumental in every aspect of me getting to this point. From that coaches to the support staff, they've done a great job of helping me succeed," Cox said. "I've had a great experience here. I've learned a lot, and grown as a person. My coaches are great, and I'll miss them."

Joining Cox at Dominican will be Yvonne Sanchez. Sanchez was arguably Citrus' best contributor off the bench during the 2011-2012 season appearing in all 27 games, while averaging 3.9 points and 1.6 rebounds a game.

"Dominican has given me an opportunity to get better and further my education," Sanchez said.
"Their psychology program is excellent, and it will give me a chance to excel in my chosen career path."

In her Citrus career, Sanchez averaged 5.1 points per game. She also recorded 53 career steals, and handed out 61 career assists.

"Citrus has helped me develop as a student and as a person. I've been given all the resources I needed to succeed in school and athletics thanks to Citrus," Sanchez said. "It's been a great opportunity for me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a student and person."

"Dominican University is a promising NCAA DII program on the rise. Both Jas and Yve will fit in extremely well with their athletic style of play," McDonald. "Their coaches have done a great job communicating their expectations to them, and I am confident they will rise to the occasion."

Rounding out the signings is Julia Tani who will attend the California Maritime Academy which participates in the NAIA. Tani played one season for the Owls, burying a team best 43 treys during the 2011-2012 season. Tani also averaged 9.3 points a game, and was second on the team in converting 35.2% of her three point attempts.

"I chose them because I like their style of play and their academic setting. It's a small school, and I feel most comfortable in a close knit environment," Tani said. "Citrus has played a very crucial role in getting to this point. It's helped me turned around from where I was headed. My time here has been great. The girls on the team have been awesome. They are like my family. I'm really going to miss them and this experience."

"Maritime is getting a great all around player in Julia," McDonald said. "She has a history of winning and competing at a high level. She will fit in well with Coach [Dave] Covell and his program."