SMC Women's Basketball suffers first loss of the season

The Santa Monica College Women's Basketball opened the 2015 – 2016 season with a 81-78 loss vs. Santa Ana College at the Corsair Pavilion last night.   

The Corsairs fell behind early and were down 44-28 at half time to the Dons.
 
The second half proved to be an exciting half for Santa Monica fans as the team outscored Santa Ana 32 – 18 in the 3rd quarter, storming back from a 20 point deficit to tie the game.  Santa Ana hung on for the hard fought victory winning their first game of the season.   
 
"Tonight was a tale of two halves." stated Santa Monica College Head Coach Lydia Strong.   "In the first half we came out a bit flat, nervous and committed way too many fouls leading to the half time deficit.  The second half was a different story as the girls really battled and did some great things.  To come back from a 16 point deficit shows a lot of heart and character.  I'm of course disappointed with the loss, but proud of the effort and know we will get better down the road."
 
Santa Monica was led by sophomore Oshaela Gray (17 points, 5 assists)  Jessica Melamed (15 points, 3 assists) and Katya Echavez  (14 points )    Mckayla Chandler also chipped in with 9 points off the bench. 
 

Santa Monica will return to action Saturday November 21 at San Diego City College at 5:00 p.m.