Citrus Falls to Chaffey in Home Opener

Citrus College Women's Basketball fell to Chaffey College in the Owls' home opener on Saturday afternoon, 79-56 at Citrus Gym.

After dropping their season opener on the road to LA Trade-Tech, the Owls faced another tough result at home and move to 0-2 to start the year, while Chaffey improves to 2-2 overall.

Citrus came out strong in the opening quarter, forcing nine Panther turnovers and using a 6-0 run to build a seven-point lead midway through the frame, ultimately taking an 18-13 advantage after one. The second quarter remained tightly contested, but seven Citrus turnovers and a cold stretch from beyond the arc (1-for-5) allowed Chaffey to stay close, as the Owls held a narrow 31-30 lead at halftime.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point as Chaffey amped up the defensive pressure. Citrus was held to just 1-for-12 shooting from the field and 0-for-4 from deep in the quarter, while going 8-for-15 at the line, allowing the Panthers to surge ahead 57-41 through three. The Owls battled throughout the fourth, but were unable to claw back.

Freshman Jhavmine Ave led the Owls with an impressive 23 points (10-for-16), seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Sophomore Maileeh Suasti posted 11 points and a game-high 10 boards with three steals. Brianna Gomez added eight points and two steals, while Raynise Beserra chipped in five points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal.

As a team, Citrus shot 20-for-61 from the field, 4-for-23 from three and 12-for-22 at the free throw line.

Citrus now heads out on a four-game road stretch, beginning Wednesday, November 12 at College of the Desert at 1 p.m.