(Walnut, CA) For the first time in 12 years, the Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Team will not be heading to next weeks' CCCAA State Championship after a, 76-71, loss to Irvine Valley College in the So Cal Regional Final.
A state-record streak of 11 consecutive CCCAA Tournament appearances between 2007 and 2017 ended at the Mt. SAC Gymnasium, before a loud and supportive crowd, as the Mounties fought to the last tick of the clock.
The Mounties ended the season with a 24-8 overall record.
In a game that saw 16 lead changes, it came down to the last 55 seconds with a trip to the state championship tournament on the line.
Mt. SAC sophomore guard Dominique McLaughlin (11-25 FG, 7-8 FT, 5 Asst., 5 Steals, Blk.), who scored a game-high 31 points, evened the game at 67-67 with a layup and 55 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
After Irvine Valley sank a 3-pointer to lead 70-67, freshman guard MyJoi Adams (9-16 FG, 3-4 FT, 6 RB, 2 Asst., 3 Stl., 21 Pts) connected on a short jump shot, to trail 70-69 with 33 seconds left.
The Lasers stretched the lead to four points (73-69) with three free throws, but as they had been doing all game, the Mounties came back with a jump shot by freshman guard Tiana Douglas (2-4 FG, 9 RB, 4 Pts.) to trail by a basket (73-71) with :11 remaining.
Irvine Valley finished the scoring with three free throws to win the game and end Mt. SAC's season.
The Mounties led after the first quarter 17-14 and Irvine Valley reversed the second quarter with a three-point advantage, 14-11 and a 28-28 halftime tie.
The Mounties entered the final quarter with a five-point lead 48-43 after a 20-point third quarter.
McLaughlin and sophomore forward Jonnae Vermillion (2-4 FT, 9 RB, Blk., 8 Pts.) led the Mounties in the quarter with six points each.
"It was a blessing here (Mt. SAC) with my teammates both years and coach B (Brian Crichlow)," said Vermillion, who will play at Cal State San Marcos next season.
"I wish Mt. SAC was a four-year, but now it's over and I have to move forward."
"Tonight we just fell short."
Also in her final game was sophomore Deja Siaki (2-5 FG, 2-2 3Pt), who finished with six points.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.