COD Women’s Basketball Rolls Past Jaguars, 81–68, for First Home Win

College of the Desert Women's Basketball (3–4) put together one of their strongest team performances of the season, with four starters scoring in double figures, as the Roadrunners pulled away late to defeat the Southwestern Jaguars of Chula Vista (3–4), 81–68, securing their first home victory of the year.

The matchup marked the second meeting between the two programs this season. COD previously topped Southwestern on November 7 at the LA Southwest Tournament, 84–57. Since 2017, the Roadrunners have squared off with the Jaguars eight times, entering the night with a 2–6 record but now improving that mark.

Freshman guard Ava Tethal (Palm Desert H.S.) delivered a breakout performance, recording her first double-double of the season. Tethal dominated the boards with 17 rebounds—10 on the defensive end—while adding a season-high 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including a pair of made threes, and dishing out 5 assists.

Sophomore guard Giovanna Espinoza (La Quinta H.S.) continued her outstanding scoring streak, notching her third straight 20-plus-point outing. Espinoza finished with 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting, went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and contributed across the box score with 8 rebounds, a team-high 5 steals, and a 5-of-6 mark at the free throw line.

Sophomore forward Olivia Castaneda (Menifee Paloma Valley) added 16 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting night, along with 4 assists and 4 steals. Freshman forward Mia Aceituno (Bermuda Dunes Desert Christian Academy) chipped in 15 points and shot 50 percent from the floor, while sophomore guard Audrey Tijerina (La Quinta H.S.) connected for 6 points from long range.

Off the bench, freshman guard Mariah Figueroa (Thermal Coachella Valley) made an impact with 7 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds.

With momentum building, the Roadrunners now embark on a five-game road stretch before returning home on December 13 at 1 p.m. to open Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC) play against regional rival Copper Mountain College of Joshua Tree.

Follow COD Athletics on Twitter @COD_Athletics Instagram @COD_Athletics or Facebook @College of the Desert Athletics

For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Hazael Velazquez Photography.