Owls Split Conference Games Against LA Valley, Antelope Valley

Women's basketball split it's last two conference games, defeating Los Angeles Valley College 70–66 at home on Saturday, January 31, before falling to Antelope Valley College 66–51 on the road Wednesday night, February 4.

After the two-game stretch, the Owls move to 8–15 overall and 5–4 in conference play.

In Saturday's home win against Los Angeles Valley College, the Owls led 20-18 after the first quarter and responded with a stellar second quarter, outscoring the Monarchs 29–18 behind a game-high 17 second-quarter points from Jhavmine Ave on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-4 from three-point range. Citrus and LA Valley traded baskets in the second half, each scoring 10 points in the third quarter, and despite a late fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the Monarchs, the Owls were able to hold on for the victory.

Citrus overcame a rebounding deficit and a tightly contested first half by knocking down timely perimeter shots and taking care of business at the free-throw line. The Owls connected on 11-of-34 three-pointers and shot 69.2 percent from the stripe, building a game-high 16-point lead midway through the third quarter. LA Valley held advantages in rebounds (50–38), points in the paint (28–18), and second-chance points (12–6), but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 16.0 percent (4-for-25). The game featured four ties and 12 lead changes before Citrus seized control in the second half.

Ave poured in a game-high, career-best 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting, knocking down six three-pointers while playing all 40 minutes. Maileeh Suasti posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, adding four assists and four steals. Raynise Beserra finished with eight points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Brianna Gomez chipped in seven points and two assists. Off the bench, Setsianna Kraynak grabbed five rebounds and recorded a steal and a block.

In Wednesday night's tough 66–51 loss to Antelope Valley College, the Owls struggled in the first half, trailing 29–8 at halftime. Citrus battled back in the second half, outscoring AVC 22–12 in the third quarter, but could not complete the comeback after being outscored 25–21 in the fourth. Antelope Valley controlled the game from the opening tip, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and holding Citrus to 31.6 percent shooting. AVC won the inside battle with a 42–18 edge in points in the paint and outrebounded Citrus 38–30, building a game-high 23-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. Citrus struggled to find an offensive rhythm but did knock down seven three-pointers and shot an efficient 88.9 percent from the free-throw line. The contest featured no ties or lead changes.

Suasti led Citrus with 17 points and 11 rebounds, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line while playing all 40 minutes. Lexie Navarro added 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers and dishing out four assists. Gomez finished with six points and two assists, while Samantha Martinez chipped in four points off the bench on 1-of-1 shooting and 2-for-2 from the line. Ave contributed five points, five assists, and two steals in 39 minutes.

Citrus will return home this Saturday, February 7, at 3 p.m. for a second matchup with College of the Canyons, whom the Owls defeated 66–49 on the road on January 14.