By John M. Sherrard

(Walnut, CA) In the opening game of the season, the CCCAA defending state champion Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Team downed San Bernardino Valley College, 61-60 Friday in the Linda G. Smith Memorial Tournament Friday night.

The Mounties advanced to the tournament semifinals on Saturday at 7 pm against Citrus College (1-0), which defeated College of the Canyons 78-75 in overtime.

Leading the way for the Mounties (1-0) was forward Jonnae Vermillion with a team-high 18 points and 13 rebounds. She was followed by 15 points and five rebounds from guard Dominique McLaughlin.

Deja Saiki led the team with three long-range 3s for nine points, while guard Myjoi Adams (4 RBs) and Tianna Burrell had seven and six points respectively. Celeste Brown had seven rebounds for the Mounties.

With a low-scoring first quarter the Mounties trailed, 12-9 but nearly doubled the Wolverines in the second quarter, 26-14 for the halftime lead, 35-26.

SBVC outscored the Mounties in the second half, 34-26 but Mt. SAC held on for the 61-60 win.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.