COD Women’s Basketball Sweeps Season Series Over Wolverines, 75–61

The College of the Desert women's basketball team continued its strong season with a 75–61 win over San Bernardino Valley College on Saturday, completing a season sweep of the Wolverines for the first time since the 2016–17 campaign.

Despite four of five starters battling foul trouble for much of the second half, the Roadrunners (11–12, 5–6) leaned on balanced scoring, timely bench contributions, and clutch free-throw shooting to hold off a late Valley push. The victory marked COD's 11th win of the season, its highest total since the 2015–16 team finished with 13 wins, and the program's most conference victories since the 2004–05 season.

COD turned in one of its most efficient performances at the free-throw line in recent memory, converting 10 of 11 attempts (90.9%), a key factor in closing out the game.

Sophomore guard Audrey Tijerina (La Quinta H.S.) led all scorers with a season-high 24 points, shooting 7-for-15 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the charity stripe. Tijerina also knocked down three triples on the afternoon.

Fellow sophomore Giovanna Espinoza (La Quinta H.S.) added 18 points for her 14th 18-plus-point performance of the season, while contributing five assists and seven rebounds. Freshman forward Mia Aceituno (Bermuda Dunes Desert Christian Academy) recorded her fourth double-double of the year with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while also leading the Roadrunners with six assists.

Strong support came from the bench, as freshman guard Mariah Figueroa (Thermal Coachella Valley) provided a spark with 10 points. Freshman guard Ava Tethal (Palm Desert H.S.) anchored the defensive effort, leading the team with six steals and adding two blocks. Sophomore forward Olivia Castaneda (Menifee Paloma Valley) chipped in nine points.

The Roadrunners will return home on Valentine's Day to celebrate Military Appreciation Day and Sophomore Day, hosting the Palo Verde Pirates of Blythe at 1 p.m.

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

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Dale Beck Photography.