COD (2-14; 0-1) opened up PCAC-North play with a strong first half as sophomore starting forward Mercades Young (Moreno Valley Vista Del Lago) scored 16 of her 27 points in the half, but a refreshed MiraCosta Spartans (13-3; 1-0) found their rhythm in the second half, as three of their starters collected double-doubles and the Roadrunners fell, 84-62.

The Spartans would open the game on a 7-0 run, only to have that string snapped by one of Young's five three-pointers on the night and halfway through the first quarter, Desert used a 10-4 run to get to within one point, 11-10. Eventually tying the game at 17-17 with 1:30 left in the quarter, on another huge three-pointer from Young. Both teams would go to their respective huddles at the end of the first quarter, with the Spartans clinging to a two-point lead, 19-17.

In the second quarter, after a layup by freshman guard Alissa Munayco (Indio Shadow Hills) got the Roadrunners to within two-points, 26-24, the team went ice cold from the field, as MiraCosta went on a 13-2 run. A run which was finally ended on, you guessed it, another huge three-pointer from Young. Desert would go on a 7-2 run to close out the first half and both teams went to the locker room at halftime, as the Spartans held onto a 39-33 lead.

In the third quarter, the Spartans ended the quarter on a 14-5 run and held a 61-48 lead going into the final quarter.

Young led Desert with 27 points, on 9 of 18 shooting, going 5 of 10 from three point range and a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line. Sophomore starting guard Jada Toland (Indio Shadow Hills) added 12 points on 5 of 10 shooting and joined teammate freshman starting guard Kiera Duran (Garden Grove Bolsa Grande) in leading the team with two steals on the night.

Freshman starting guard Vanessa Madera (Thermal Coachella Valley) led the team in assists, with seven and Duran also led the team in total rebounds with, seven. Freshman starting guard Aaliysah Olvera (Indio Shadow Hills), freshman center Destiny Fraizer (Blythe Palo Verde Valley) and Young all combined to have a block each on the night. Sophomore forward Angie Pinson (La Quinta H.S.) came off of the bench to lead all bench players with six points on 2 of 7 shooting.

The next home game for the College of the Desert Women's Basketball team will be on January 31st at 5p as they continue Pacific Coast Athletic Conference-North Division (PCAC-North) play against the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines. If you are unable to make the game in person, follow the action live at CODathletics.com. Hope to see you there.

Photo by Rodrigo Pena (rigopena@yahoo.com)
Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.