CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Coyotes end season on low note with 1-for-25 performance from downtown
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Host Cuyamaca College could not deny Southwestern a share of the Pacific Coast Conference championship Friday night (Feb. 21) as the visiting Jaguars breezed past the Coyotes 73-45 in the regular-season finale for both clubs. Southwestern (14-14, 8-2) and Palomar (15-12, 8-2) tied for the conference crown and advance to the Southern California Regionals next week.
Despite the lopsided finale, the Coyotes (4-22, 1-9) did have some satisfaction in that they held PCC scoring leaders Verdelle Jones and Shunnae Buckner a combined 10 points bellow their season average. Cuyamaca could not, however, contain Tracey Kiser who poured in a game-high 21 - all coming on 3-pointers.
DENISE BENNETT (16 points) VALLI BURKS (10 points, 7 assists), JENNY BALDWIN (9 points, 7 rebounds) and LISA ALEXANDER (9 rebounds) paced Cuyamaca.
The Coyotes shot only 25 percent from the
field, including a mere 1-for-25 from three-point range.
(02-21-03)
Mesa looks like gold in next-to-last game for Coyotes
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN DIEGO - The visiting San Diego Mesa College Olympians enjoyed an offensive field day as they defeated the visiting Cuyamaca Coyotes 87-57 in Wednesday's (Feb. 19) Pacific Coast Conference encounter.
VALLI BURKS (20 points, 9 assists, 6 steals) and DENISE BENNETT (19 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds) paced Cuyamaca (4-21, 1-8) in the losing effort.
Former El Cajon Valley High star Shannon Schiele had a co-team high 26 points for Mesa.
Cuyamaca closes the season at home against
PCC title contender Southwestern on Friday ( Feb. 21) at 7 p.m.
(02-19-03)
Arabs have no love for Coyotes in first-half rout
EastCountySports.com staff report
BRAWLEY - It was a long journey considering what transpired once the Cuyamaca Coyotes (4-20, 1-7) stepped onto the Imperial Valley College floor Friday night (Feb. 14). A happy Valentine's Day it wasn't for the visitors from El Cajon who fell behind 44-12 in the first half and left town with a 71-44 Pacific Coast Conference loss.
On the bright side, Cuyamaca's LISA ALEXANDER set a school for the second time in as many games. After tying her sister's mark for 3-point buckets in a game, Alexander hauled down a Cuyamaca-record 17 rebounds in the lopsided loss at IVC.
DENISE BENNETT paced the Coyotes scorers with 17 points, while VALLI BURKS added 9. Bennett, a Santana HS alum, popped in a trio of 3-pointers.
Cuyamaca closes the season with games at
San Diego Mesa on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and the home finale against
Southwestern (Friday, Feb. 21). Both start at 7 p.m.
(02-14-03)
Comets pound Coyotes to stay in first
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN MARCOS - Cuyamaca guard DENISE BENNETT popped in a game-high 23 points, including a quartet of 3-pointers Friday night (Feb. 7), but it wasn't near enough as the visiting Coyotes succumbed to Pacific Coast Conference-leading Palomar 74-51.
It was the 13th straight loss for Cuyamaca (3-19, 0-6), while first-place Palomar (12-11, 5-1) maintained its one-game lead over Southwestern in the PCC race.
Cynthia Sorrell led a balanced Palomar attack with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
LISA ALEXANDER pitched in with 9 rebounds
for the Coyotes, who host Grossmont on Wednesday (Feb. 12) at
7 p.m.
(02-07-03)
Southwestern hand Coyotes 12th straight loss in big fashion
EastCountySports.com staff report
CHULA VISTA - Southwestern College scored 51 points in the second half to turn Friday's (Jan. 31) Pacific Coast Conference game with the visiting Cuyamaca Coyotes into an 89-47 rout.
High points were few for the Coyotes (3-18, 0-5), who were slapped with their 12th straight loss.
DENISE BENNETT led Cuyamaca with 15 points, clicking on all 6 of her free throws while racking up 6 assists. VALLI BURKS popped in 14 points, and LISA ALEXANDER pitched in with 6 points and 6 rebounds for the Coyotes. Cuyamaca shot a chilly 27 percent (17 for 63) from the field, and converted 8 of 10 free throws.
Cuyamaca draws a bye on Wednesday before
picking up the second half of the conference campaign on Friday
(Feb. 7), taking on first place Palomar in San Marcos.
(01-31-03)
Schiele's 30 points decides Coyotes' fate against Mesa
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Former El Cajon Valley High standout SHANNON SCHIELE scored 30 points and handed out 10 assists to lift visiting San Diego Mesa College to an 80-50 Pacific Coast Conference victory over host Cuyamaca Wednesday night (Jan. 29).
Schiele was devastating to the Coyotes
from the free throw line where she netted 11 of 12 shots. She
also nailed a 3-pointer as Mesa (7-15, 3-1)
marched to a 33-14 halftime lead.
LISA ALEXANDER led Cuyamaca (3-17, 0-4) with 14 points (a trio of 3-pointers) and 12 rebounds. DEVON WILLIAMSON added 9 points, 11 boards and 3 steals for the Coyotes, lwho have lost 11 in a row. DENISE BENNETT chipped in 9 points and 4 steals, while VALLI BURKS contributed 8 points and 5 assists.
Foul problems plagued the Coyotes throughout. Three players eventually fouled out, forcing Cuyamaca to conclude the game with only four players on the floor.
Next up for Cuyamaca is a trip to Chula
Vista Friday (Jan. 31) where the Coyotes take on Southwestern
at 7 p.m.
(01-29-03)
Coyotes can't contain IVC, fall to 0-3 in conference
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The Cuyamaca Coyotes sharpened their shooting eye Friday night (Jan. 24), netting 30 percent from the field against Imperial Valley. That improvement was not enough to deny the visiting Arabs a 70-49 Pacific Coast Conference victory at Cuyamaca.
DENISE BENNETT drilled in 15 points and
pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the Coyotes (3-16, 0-3), who suffered
their 10th straight loss. DEVON WILLIAMSON pitched in 12 points
and 6 rebounds, while VALLI BURKS knocked down 10 points and
dished off 3 assists. LISA ALEXANDER grabbed a team high 9 rebounds.
(01-24-03)
Comets club Coyotes despite Bennett's 25 points
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN MARCOS - DENISE BENNETT scored a game high 25 points for visiting Cuyamaca Friday night (Jan. 17), but the Palomar Comets proved why they rate as the team to beat in the Pacific Coast Conference race, clubbing the Coyotes 76-54.
Palomar (8-10, 1-0) powered to a 40-21 halftime lead and never looked back as the Coyotes (3-14, 0-1) lost their eighth game in a row.
Bennett scored 17 of her points in the second half, while VALLI BURKS totaled 11 points. Each of the freshman guards hit a trio of 3-pointers as Cuyamaca finished 8-for-28 from beyond the arc. Sophomore JENNY BALDWIN canned a pair of 3-pointers and finished her night with 10 points.
Palomar was led by Cynthia Sorrell (22
points, 11 rebounds), Christina Preciado (11 points, 13 assists)
and Alison Strouse (10 points).
(01-17-03)
Slow start costs Coyotes against Siskiyous
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - A sluggish first half spelled doom for the Cuyamaca Coyotes Thursday night (Jan. 9), as they dropped a 71-54 non-league decision to visiting College of the Siskiyous.
VALLI BURKS (16 points) and DENISE BENNETT (15 points) continued to lead the offensive charge for the Coyotes (3-13). DEVON WILLIAMSON collected a game-high 11 rebounds, while LISA ALEXANDER added 7 rebounds, 5 points and 2 steals for Cuyamaca.
The Coyotes, who host Palomar in the Pacific
Coast Conference opener on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., played a strong
second half against Siskiyous but could not overcome a 36-20
first-half deficit.
(01-09-03)
Golden Eagles tickle twine to knock off Cuyamaca
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - DENISE BENNETT scored 18 points and VALLI BURKS added 11 as the Cuyamaca Coyotes suffered a 75-52 non-conference loss to the visiting Feather River Golden Eagles Wednesday (Jan. 8).
Bennett was 7-for-20 from the floor, 3-for-6 from the free throw line, and logged 4 steals for the Coyotes (3-11). DEVON WILLIAMSON led Cuyamaca with 6 rebounds.
The Coyotes entertain College of the Siskiyous
Thursday (Jan. 9) at 5 p.m.
(01-08-03)
Cuyamaca's Devon Williamson puts up an
attempt in the first half Friday night (1-3-02).
CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Coyotes no match at home for green-and-gold clad Rustlers
EastCountySports.com staff report
RANCHO SAN DIEGO - Cuyamaca College came
out flat in the opening 20 minutes and ended up on the long end
of a 76-36 home decision to Golden West on Friday (Jan. 3).
Freshman VALLI BURKS was the brightest spot for the Coyotes,
knocking down all seven of her shot attempts in the second half,
to can home 18 points. She also added three assists, but committed
five turnovers.
Freshman DEVON WILLIAMSON was the top supporting cast member,
grabbing seven rebounds and handing out three assists. Defensively,
Williams grabbed six steals, as the duo helped Cuyamaca make
a more respectable showing in the second half, after trailing
40-12 at the intermission.
Cuyamaca fell to 3-11, while the Rustlers moved to 9-5. Next
up for the Coyotes is a matchup with College of the Redwoods
on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the second of five-straight at The Den
for CC, including game on Wednesday (Feather River College) and
Thursday (College of the Siskiyous), both at 5 p.m.
(1-3-02)
Coyotes close against El Camino, lose by 6
EastCountySports.com staff report
TORRANCE - VALLI BURKS and DENISE BENNETT scored 13 points apiece and JENNIFER BALDWIN had 9 as Cuyamaca dropped a 56-50 non-conference contest to El Camino on Friday night (Dec. 27).
The Coyotes (3-10) trailed by as many as
13 points. They staged a late rally to cut the deficit to 41-40,
but could not gain the advantage.
(12-28-02)
Coyotes make game with Citrus in first half
EastCountySports.com staff report
GLENDORA - The visiting Coyotes of Cuyamaca dropped a 73-52 non-conference decision to host Citrus College on Friday (Dec. 20). The Coyotes (3-9) trailed only 35-26 at halftime, but faltered in the second half.
VALLI BURKS (19 points, two treys), DENISE BENNETT (15 points, one trey) and LISA ALEXANDER (13 points, three treys) led the Cuyamaca scoring.
Next game for Cuyamaca is Friday (Dec.
27) at El Camino in Torrance.
(12-22-02)
Gauchos pour it on against Coyotes
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - First-year Saddleback College
coach Fentriss Winn, whose Bishop's High girls won six state
championships, continued his San Diego County crusade guiding
the visiting Gauchos to a 108-60 non-conference romp over
Cuyamaca Wednesday night (Dec. 18).
Saddleback, which has beaten three San
Diego County teams, hit 10 of 25
three-point shots to turn the game into a rout. The Gauchos led
47-28 at halftime and poured on the coal for 61 points in the
second half.
DENISE BENNETT shot well in a losing effort,
sinking 8 of 16 shots en route to a team-high 17 points. JENNY
BALDWIN chimed in with 15 points and 4 steals, while LISA ALEXANDER
collected 10 points and 6 rebounds for the Coyotes (3-8).
(12-18-02)
Coyotes can't keep up with Riverside City
EastCountySports.com staff report
RIVERSIDE - The visiting Cuyamaca Coyotes netted a quintet of 3-pointers, but it hardly caused a stir among the host Riverside City College Tigers who clawed out a 78-51 non-conference victory Monday night (Dec. 16).
JENNY BALDWIN led the long-range game for
Cuyamaca (3-7) with three 3-pointers, but it was VALLI BURKS
who topped the Coyotes in scoring with 15
points. Burks also had 4 rebounds, 3 steals and a pair of assists.
LISA ALEXANDER chipped in with 8 points,
one 3-pointer, 6 rebounds and 4 steals for Cuyamaca. CHRISTINE
DAWSON added 8 points and a team-high 7 rebounds. KIM RUFFIN
collected 6 rebounds and blocked 2 shots, while DENISE BENNETT
spun in 6 points, handed out 4 assists, cleared 4 rebounds and
made 2 steals.
(12-16-02)
Coyotes club MSJC in tourney consolation
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The Cuyamaca Coyotes are on the trail for a good start. At least a better start than last year. Led by DENISE BENNETT's 28 points, Cuyamaca clubbed visiting Mount San Jacinto 76-61 in Saturday's (Dec. 14) consolation championship of the 2nd annual Coyote Tournament. The victory was the third in nine starts for the Coyotes, equaling last year's season total for 26 games.
Bennett hit 9 of 24 shots from the field and 8 of 12 from the free throw line against MSJC. She logged a pair of 3-pointers, 4 steals, 3 assists, 5 rebounds and made the all-tournament team.
VALLI BURKS had a hot hand for the Coyotes,
canning 5 of 8 shots from the
floor and 5 of 7 from the free throw line for 16 points. She
also had 6 rebounds.
JENNY BALDWIN was connecting from long range, drilling in four of six 3-point shots on her way to a 14-point night. She also had 6 rebounds, as did Burks.
LISA ALEXANDER was a force on the boards
for Cuyamaca with 15 rebounds.
(12-14-02)
Coyotes drop game to Victor Valley
EastCountySports.com staff report
VICTORVILLE - VALLI BURKS scored 15 points and JENNY BALDWIN added 11 in Cuyamaca's 63-49 non-conference loss to Victor Valley (5-6) Wednesday night (Dec. 4).
DEVON WILLIAMSON chipped in with 9 points
and 8 rebounds for the Coyotes (2-5). DENISE BENNETT tossed in
10 points and CHRISTINA DAWSON hauled down a team-high 9 rebounds.
(12-04-02/Rev. 12-05-02)
Coyotes handle Harbor for second win
Cuyamaca College defeated L.A. Harbor, 70-62, last Friday afternoon (11-29-02) in an emotional effort for the Coyotes, according to the team's leading scorer for the contest.
Cuyamaca's record improved to 2-4.
The Coyotes got 22 points from JENNIFER BALDWIN, while DENISE BENNETT, from Santana High, added 18 points and five steals.
"It felt great (to win)," Baldwin said. "We played our hearts out."
The Coyotes then are off for over a week before hosting the Cuyamaca Tournament (Dec. 13-14).
Cerro Coso jumps on Coyotes early
Cuyamaca College dropped a 71-59 decision to Cerro Coso on Monday (11-25-02).
Cuyamaca's record fell to 1-4.
The Coyotes got 26 points and four assists from former El Capitan star VALLI BURKS and 15 points from JENNIFER BALDWIN.
Breakout game by Bennett lifts Cuyamaca to first win
The Cuyamaca Coyotes downed Mount San Jacinto Monday night (Nov. 18) in Hemet, 76-62, behind DENISE BENNETT's 33 points.
"Everyone stepped up and knew their role," said Bennett, from Santana High. "It showed what we can do when we play together as a team."
After narrowly missing capturing their first victory of the season Saturday night (Nov. 16) at Los Angeles Pierce College, Cuyamaca (1-2) also got 17 points and seven assists from former El Capitan star VALLI BURKS and 11 points and 11 rebounds from DEVON WILLIAMSON.
Cuyamaca just misses win against Pierce
EastCountySports.com staff report
WOODLAND HILLS - The Cuyamaca Coyotes, who play Mount San Jacinto Monday night (Nov. 18) in Hemet, narrowly missed capturing their first victory of the season Saturday night (Nov. 16) at Los Angeles Pierce College. Trailing 34-25 at the half, Cuyamaca (0-2) overcame early turnover problems to take a lead in the second half but couldn't hold on as the Brahmas prevailed 63-61.
Cuyamaca received balanced scoring in the
loss to Pierce led by 15 points from JENNIFER BALDWIN (Helix).
VALLI BURKS (El Capitan) and DENISE BENNETT (Santana) added 13
points apiece and DEVON WILLIAMSON (Morse) chipped in with 11.
(11-16-02)
Burks buries 26 in opener, but Coyotes fall well short
EastCountySports.com staff report
LOS ANGELES - Freshman VALLI BURKS, a graduate of El Capitan High, made a big splash in her collegiate debut, scoring 26 points for Cuyamaca College Friday (Nov. 8) against Los Angeles Southwest. Burks included four 3-pointers in her totals, but the Coyotes still came up short, dropping their opener to the Cougars 75-56.
"We played up to our potential in the first half," said Burks, noting that Cuyamaca led 29-25 at the half. "In the second half key people fouled out, and although some people stepped up, there wasn't enough depth to come away with a victory."
DENISE BENNETT (Santana High) added 12
points for the Coyotes, while LISA BAKER added 9.
(11-10-02)
GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Griffins rally to force OT, grab win over Arabs in season finale
EastCountySports.com staff report
IMPERIAL - Talk about a positive parting shot . . . or one for the road . . . or what a way to finish a dismal season, this had to be it. The visiting Grossmont Griffins went overtime to edge host Imperial Valley 54-52 in Friday's (Feb. 21) Pacific Coast Conference finale for both teams.
A three-pointer by Grossmont's MARISSA ARENAS broke a 48-48 deadlock at the front end of the extra session and ELISA GODDARD added a bucket in the final minute, giving the Griffins a 53-50 advantage. It came down to free throws then, and the Griffins held on.
Arenas led the Griffins with 19 points, while Goddard netted 15.
Grossmont made its intention known early on, racing to early leads of 10-6 and 17-6. The Griffins were leading 35-28 five minutes into the second half, but IVC (11-17, 5-5) came storming back to lead 46-40 with five minutes remaining. The Griffs refused to fold as they tallied eight of the final 10 points to force overtime.
Although tying defending PCC champion San
Diego Mesa for fourth place at 4-6 may not sound like a big deal,
it was a marked recovery for the Griffins who were 0-18 when
conference play commenced.
(02-21-03)
Griffins miss upset bid against Southwestern
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The Grossmont Griffins missed another opportunity to be a spoiler Wednesday night (Feb. 19) as their offense stalled in a 57-43 Pacific Coast Conference loss to visiting Southwestern, which remained tied with Palomar for the conference lead.
Nobody on Grossmont's side reached double figures as the Jaguars (13-14, 7-2) watched freshman Verdelle Jones cast in 24 points to kept Southwestern anchored at the top.
Shunnae Buckner added 13 points and Ollie Vance scored all of her 9 points in the second half for the Jaguars.
STEPHANIE SCHULAR (9 points), ELISA GODDARD (8 points), MARISSA ARENAS ( 7 points) and SHETIA VAUGHN (7 points) provided the bulk of the offense for Grossmont.
The Griffins (3-24, 3-6) conclude the campaign
on Friday (Feb. 21) when they travel to Imperial Valley for a
7 p.m. encounter.
(02-19-03)
Coyotes top Griffs to snap 13-game skid, set school mark for season victories
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The drought is over for the Cuyamaca College Coyotes. And coach DAVE RILEY's team snapped a 13-game losing streak in record-breaking style Wednesday night (Feb. 12), grounding Grossmont 79-67.
It was a school-record 4th win of the season for the Coyotes (4-19, 1-6), who last tasted victory on Dec. 14, 2002. Grossmont fell to 3-4 in the PCC and 3-22 overall.
The positive numbers don't stop there for Cuyamaca. VALLI BURKS shattered the school record for assists with 18, while burning in a couple of 3-pointers on her way to a 12-point night. LISA ALEXANDER (17 points, 11 rebounds) canned five 3-pointers, tying the Cuyamaca record set by her sister KELLY ALEXANDER two years ago.
The Coyotes' DENISE BENNETT singed the chords for 25 points, hitting 8 of 20 shots from the field and 7 of 9 free throws. DEVON WILLIAMSON chipped in with 16 points, clicking on 8 of 10 shots from the floor.
ELISA GODDARD led Grossmont with 21 points, including 7-for-7 free throw shooting. SHETIA VAUGHN added 17 points and STEPHANIE SCHULAR finished with 12 (all coming on 3-point buckets).
On Friday (Feb. 14), Grossmont hosts Palomar,
and Cuyamaca travels to Imperial Valley. Both games tip off at
7 p.m.
(02-12-03)
Griffins beat Mesa with big second half from Goddard, Schular
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Don't look now, but the Grossmont Griffins are in a three-way tie for third place in the Pacific Coast Conference after defeating defending champion San Diego Mesa College for the second time, 50-45, Friday night (Feb. 7) at Grossmont.
Three Griffins - ELISA GODDARD (16 points), SHETIA VAUGHN (11 points) and STEPHANIE SCHULAR (10) - reached double figures as Grossmont evened its PCC slate at 3-3.
"Goddard was strong inside as was Schular," said Grossmont coach KAREN CAIRES, whose Griffins beat Mesa 55-50 in the first round. "Vaughn drove the middle to open up the offense."
Goddard netted 12 points and Schular did all of her scoring after intermission, as the Griffins outscored Mesa 33-21 during the final 20 minutes.
Grossmont (3-21) won the game despite going only 5-for-6 from the free throw line. In stark comparison, the Olympians sank 21 of 34 attempts from the foul line.
El Cajon Valley High graduate SHANNON SCHIELE scored 12 points to pace Mesa (7-17, 3-3), which is tied with Grossmont and Imperial Valley.
Next up for Grossmont is a road game at
Cuyamaca on Wednesday (Feb. 12) at 7 p.m.
(02-07-03)
IVC buries three ball to down Griffins
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Visiting Imperial Valley College showered the Grossmont Griffins with a bevy of 3-point baskets Friday night (Jan. 31) and continued on for a 62-50 Pacific Coast Conference victory. IVC totaled 9 treys for the evening.
Grossmont's SHETIA VAUGHN led the Griffins with 15 points. MARISSA ARENAS also enjoyed an excellent night, nailing down 14 points, including 4 three-pointers. Teammate JENNIFER LO hit three treys for all of her 9 points.
The Griffins close the first round of conference play at 2-3 (2-21 overall), while IVC (3-2, 8-13) is locked in a three-way tie for second.
Next up for Grossmont is a home game against
San Diego Mesa on Friday (Feb. 7) at 7 p.m.
(01-31-03)
Griffins lose key game in conference season
EastCountySports.com staff report
CHULA VISTA - Grossmont's MARISSA ARENAS (12 points), SHETIA VAUGHN (11 points) and ELISA GODDARD (10) all finished in double scoring figures Wednesday (Jan. 29) night, but the visiting Griffins dropped a 65-37 Pacific Coast Conference decision at Southwestern College. The loss left the Griffins (2-20, 2-2) in a three-way tie for third place in the conference.
Grossmont hosts Imperial Valley Friday
(Jan. 31) at 7 p.m. No other information was reported for this
story.
(01-29-03)
Palomar puts Griffins back in place in undefeated PCC battle
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN MARCOS - It didn't take long to decide the battle for first place in the Pacific Coast Conference Friday night (Jan.24). The host Palomar College Comets brought the visiting Grossmont Griffins back to earth with a resounding thud.
After rising to the top of the circuit by winning their first two PCC games following an 0-18 start, the Griffins scored only five points in the first half and never recovered as Palomar prevailed 53-37.
Lindsay Duringer paced Palomar (10-10, 3-0) with 22 points, while SHETIA VAUGHN netted 9 to lead the Griffins (2-19, 2-1). Grossmont's MARISSA ARENAS, who was named the PCC Women's Athlete of the Week, was limited to 4 points.
ELISA GODDARD added 7 points for Grossmont.
(01-24-03)
Griffins in first place after turning back Coyotes' effort
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Guess who's tied for first place
in the Pacific Coast Conference?
After suffering through 18 consecutive non-league losses, the
Grossmont Griffins have posted back-to-back conference victories
including a 47-42 win over district rival Cuyamaca Wednesday
night (Jan. 22).
The Griffins, who took a 44-42 lead over the Coyotes on STEPHANIE SCHULAR's 3-pointer with 2:06 remaining, are tied with Palomar for the PCC lead at 2-0.
"It just goes to show what hard work can do," Grossmont coach KAREN CAIRES said. "This was a really big game for my team because we felt home pressure. Our last win was on the road. We needed to show we could win on our own court."
The game belonged to Cuyamaca in the early going, however, as the Coyotes cruised to a 17-7 lead.
"We came out flat, played with no energy," Caires said. "I called a time out and asked my team if they were going to start playing hard or were they going to let up and get beat."
Suddenly, the Griffins began to pick up the pace. "We made some adjustments and started playing better," said Caires, whose Griffins led 26-22 at the half.
The two teams battled back and forth in the second half. The Coyotes (3-15, 0-2), who shot a paltry 20 percent (12 for 60), were clinging to a narrow 40-37 edge after VALLI BURKS sank a free throw with 4:23 remaining.
Grossmont countered with free throws by ELISA GODDARD and MARISSA ARENAS to pull the Griffins to within 40-39 with 3:11 left. When Arenas missed the second of her two charity shots, SHETIA VAUGHN was there for the put-back, giving Grossmont a 41-40 edge.
It was a short-lived advantage as DEVON WILLIAMSON's offensive rebound and basket returned the lead to Cuyamaca with 2:23 remaining.
But Schular's trey followed by a Goddard bucket and a Vaughn free throw sealed the win for Grossmont.
"A week ago we would have folded in a game like that," Vaughn told her coach.
Vaughn led the Griffins with 15 points, while Goddard, ABU SMITH, Schular and Arenas each had 7.
DENISE BENNETT, who was 6-for-6 from the free throw line, paced Cuyamaca with 15 points. Burks added 9, LISA ALEXANDER netted 8 and Williamson collected 7 points and 9 rebounds for the Coyotes.
Grossmont travels to San Marcos Friday
(Jan. 24) to face Palomar in a battle of conference front-runners.
Meanwhile, Cuyamaca entertains Imperial Valley on Friday. Both
games tip off at 7 p.m.
(01-22-03)
Arenas, Griffins hold court for first win of season
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN DIEGO - New season. New beginning. Better results. The Grossmont Griffins are tied for first place in the Pacific Coast Conference. MARISSA ARENAS scored a career high 20 points to lead a balanced attack as the Griffins defeated host San Diego Mesa 65-60 Friday night (Jan. 17) in the conference opener for both schools.
"We finally got the monkey off our back," said Grossmont coach KAREN CAIRES after her Griffins beat the defending PCC champions for their first win in 19 starts. "We played as a unit with assists galore. We did a good job of penetrating and kicking the ball out. All of those things can be attributed to this win."
Spreading the ball around helped Grossmont gain offensive input from more than just a couple of players. SHETIA VAUGHN chipped in 16 points, while ELISA GODDARD and JENNIFER LO tossed in 8 points apiece.
"It feels good to finally break through, and our girls were really excited about it," Caires said. "They worked hard to get this far. They can enjoy this win until Monday. Then it's back to work, because have to get ready for Cuyamaca."
El Cajon Valley High alumna Shannon Schiele
led Mesa (4-15, 0-1) with 19 points.
(01-17-03)
Griffs miss opportunity for first win
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Following Friday's (Jan. 10) loss to Redding's Shasta College, 43-33, and finishing the pre-season 0-18, the Grossmont Griffins can cling to one consolation. This same Shasta team beat defending Pacific Coast Conference champion San Diego Mesa 63-43 on Thursday night.
Grossmont has a week to prepare for next Friday's (Jan. 17) PCC opener at Mesa at 7 p.m. The Olympians have stumbled out of the gate at 4-12.
Trailing 29-22 at halftime, the Griffins held Shasta to just 14 points in the second half. Unfortunately, Grossmont netted just 4 field goals after the break, finishing the final 20 minutes with 11 points.
ELISA GODDARD and JENNIFER LO led Grossmont's
scoring with 9 points apiece.
(01-10-03)
Griffins just miss first feather in cap
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - For one of the few times this season, the Grossmont Griffins were in position to win a game Thursday night (Jan. 9) against visiting Feather River. A clutch put-back by Feather River with 10 seconds left enabled the visiting Eagles to escape with a 54-51 over the Griffins. It was the closest the Griffins (0-17) have come to winning a game all season.
"I don't feel our record reflects our overall team improvement," said KAREN CAIRES, Grossmont's optimistic first-year head coach. "This is all part of building a program. We began the season averaging 38 turnovers a game, and now were turning the ball over only 16 times a game. Our shooting has improved from 19 percent to 24 percent. That isn't startling improvement, but it shows we're making progress."
Trailing 50-47, Grossmont's JENNIFER LO shoveled a pass to ELISA GODDARD for a bucket that cut Feather River's edge to a single point with 1:27 remaining. The Eagles countered with a bucket on the block with 0:52 left.
Grossmont's MARISSA ARENAS appeared to have created a jump ball situation with 0:38 left, but the officials punished her for her aggressive play by calling a questionable foul. Neverthless, the Eagles missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and Grossmont's YASMIN EADDY grabbed the defensive rebound with 0:35 left.
SHETIA VAUGHN of Grossmont failed to connect on a jumper, but Eaddy corralled the offensive rebound and passed to STEPHANIE SCHULAR. Again, the Griffins failed to catch the Eagles when Schular's 3-point shot missed the mark with 0:21 left. This time Vaughn came down with the offensive rebound and passed to Schular, who in turn was fouled on a drive to the basket.
Schular dropped in two free throws to pull Grossmont to within 52-51 with 0:11.8 remaining.
The Griffins had to give a foul to stop the clock and did so with 0:10.8 left.
"Everything was going to plan," Caires said.
The Eagles even went as far to miss the front end of a 1-and-1, but just as quickly cut off Grossmont's victory hopes when they put-back the missed charity shot for a three-point lead with 10 seconds unplayed.
After a Grossmont time out, the Griffins were able to launch a final bid to tie the game, but Arenas missed a last-second shot.
The Griffins led by three points at halftime, and maintained a lead with as little as five minutes left. But they just couldn't get over the hump at crunch time.
Vaughn led the Griffins with 11 points.
Eaddy and Schular each had nine. Goddard added 8 points for Grossmont,
which hosts Shasta College on Friday (Jan. 10) at 5 p.m.
(01-09-03)
Griffins have nothing left for Siskiyous in second half
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - After a reasonably strong first half, the Grossmont Griffins wilted in the second half of Monday night's (Jan. 6) non-conference game, falling to the College of the Siskiyous 61-33.
Trailing just 30-21 at the break, the Griffins could muster but 12 points during the final 20 minutes and thus were handed their 16th straight loss by the visitors from Weed, Calif.
Seven different players scored for the Griffins, with SHETIA VAUGHN leading the way with 8 points, followed by JENNIFER LO (7) and ELISA GODDARD (6).
Grossmont (0-16) will host Feather River
(Jan. 9) and Shasta (Jan. 10) in a pair of 5 p.m. non-conference
contests before opening Pacific Coast Conference play on Jan.
17 at San Diego Mesa.
(01-06-03)
Vaughn is bright spot in Griffins' latest loss
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The Grossmont Griffins were eliminated from their own tournament Saturday (Dec. 28) when they fell to Yuba City 67-55 in the second round of the 15th annual Grossmont College Holiday Basketball Tournament.
Nine Griffins contributed to the scoring, with SHETIA VAUGHN (15) and MARISSA ARENAS (11) leading the way. Vaughn has scored 31 points in her last two games.
Grossmont (0-15) will host College of the
Siskiyous (Jan. 6), Feather River (Jan. 9) and Shasta (Jan. 10)
before opening Pacific Coast Conference play on Jan. 17 at San
Diego Mesa.
(12-28-02)
Griffins give SBVC battle in GC Holiday event
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The Grossmont Griffins made one of their strongest showings of the season in Friday's (Dec. 27) opening round of the 15th annual Grossmont College Holiday Basketball Tournament before falling to San Bernardino Valley 57-50.
SHETIA VAUGHN (16 points) and ELISA GODDARD (14 points) paced the Griffins, who suffered their 14th straight loss in what was one of their closest games of the season. Vaughn netted 7 baskets and a pair of free throws. Goddard was 6-for-6 from the charity stripe while sinking 4 buckets.
The game was tied 27-27 at halftime.
Grossmont takes on Yuba City in Saturday's second of the tournament at 4 p.m. Yuba City was a first-round loser to Los Angeles City College 59-56 on Friday.
Tournament play resumes at 2 p.m. Saturday
with Compton taking on Los Angeles Harbor. Saddleback tackles
Bakersfield at 6 p.m. and LACC meets San Bernardino Valley at
8 p.m. The finals are Sunday (Dec. 29) at 4 p.m.
(12-27-02)
Compton nearly doubles up Griffins
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - The 28th annual Grossmont College Holiday Basketball Tournament begins a three-day run on Friday (Dec. 27) when the Griffins welcome seven teams from around the state. Grossmont, which lost to Compton 61-36 on Saturday (Dec. 21), opens the tournament at 8 p.m. against San Bernardino Valley.
A daily four-game set begins at 2 p.m.
on Friday and Saturday. Three games are on Sunday's (Dec. 29)
card with the championship set for a 4 p.m. tip off.
(12-21-02)
Griffins fall to Cypress
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Things don't figure to get any easier for the Grossmont Griffins as they entertain undefeated Compton (12-0) Saturday (Dec. 21) at 5 p.m. The Cypress Chargers lanced the Griffins 62-25 Friday night (Dec.20), taking a 33-6 halftime lead and never looked back.
Cypress had nine players score, while ABU
SMITH and SHETIA VAUGHN shared the Griffins' scoring lead with
8 points each.
(12-20-02)
Ortiz shines, but Griffins defeated, 65-55
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Grossmont's IMANI ORTIZ turned in an impressive double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday (Dec. 17), but the Griffins were unable to break into the win column as they lost their 11th straight.
The visiting Vikings buried the Griffins at the free throw line, hitting 24 of 30 free throws, including 21 of 25 in the second half. Grossmont was 5 for 12 from the charity stripe during the second 20 minutes.
ELISA GODDARD finished with 9 points, while JENNIFER LO and STEPHANIE SCHULAR added 7 points apiece for Grossmont.
Next up for the Griffins are 5 p.m. home
games against Cypress on Friday (Dec. 20) and Compton on Saturday
(Dec. 21).
(12-17-02)
Griffins give El Camino tough game
EastCountySports.com staff report
TORRANCE - The Grossmont Griffins keep
inching closer to that elusive victory No. 1. Coach KAREN CAIRES'
crew, which had lost by 43 points at home two days earlier, gave
host El Camino a battle Saturday (Dec. 14) before falling 55-44
in a non-conference contest. STEPHANIE SCHULAR led the Griffins
(0-10) with 12 points and MARISSA ARENAS added 9. Next up for
the Griffins is a 5 p.m. home against Barstow on Tuesday (Dec.
17).
(12-14-02)
Cosumnes makes travel worth while in win over Griffins
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Cosumnes River CC of Sacramento
traveled more than 500 miles for Thursday's (Dec. 12) non-conference
women's basketball game and made it pay off. The Hawks easily
dispatched the Griffins 84-41 at Grossmont. The 11 points of
MARISA ARENAS led the Griffins (0-9).
(12-12-02)
Griffins (0-8) fall to Chaffey in tourney consolation
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Grossmont College's IMANI
ORTIZ scored a season-high 19 points, but it wasn't enough as
the Griffins dropped a 56-43 decision to Chaffey in Friday night's
(Dec. 6) consolation round of the Cuesta Classic. It was the
eighth loss in as many starts for the Griffins.
(12-06-02)
GRIFFINS' LOSING STREAK AT 7
EastCountySports.com staff report
SAN LUIS OBISPO - MARISSA ARENAS scored
10 points and IMANI ORTIZ added 8 as Grossmont College bowed
to Cuesta in Thursday night's (Dec. 5) opening round of the Cuesta
Classic.
(12-05-02)
GRIFFINS CAN'T CRACK WIN COLUMN AGAINST L.A. CITY
EastCountySports.com staff report
LOS ANGELES - Grossmont College dropped a 69-53 non-conference decision to host Los Angeles City College Tuesday night (Nov. 26) in a game Griffins' first-year coach KAREN CAIRES said was "closer than the final score indicates."
ELISA GODDARD drilled in 19 points to pace the Griffins (0-6), who also received 8 points from IMANI ORTIZ and 7 from MARISSA ARENAS.
"They pressed us most of the game,"
Caires said. "We played hard, but we just don't know how
to win yet."
(11-26-02)
Glendale makes it 2-0 against locals
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - Grossmont College suffered its fifth loss in as many starts Saturday night (Nov. 23), falling to visiting Glendale College 81-50.
MARISSA ARENAS and JESSICA BERNAL popped
in 9 points apiece to lead the Griffins, who also received 13
rebounds from IMANI ORTIZ.
(11-23-02)
Griffs can't crack win column against MSJC
EastCountySports.com staff report
HEMET- Grossmont College received a balanced scoring attack, but could not maintain a one-point halftime lead Wednesday night (Nov. 20) as the Griffins dropped a hard-fought 62-56 decision at Mount San Jacinto College.
ELISA GODDARD and MARISSA ARENAS tallied 13 points apiece to pace the Griffins (0-4), who also received 11 points from IMANI ORTIZ and 10 from SHETIA VAUGHN.
Ortiz had a huge night on the glass for
Grossmont, clearing 15 rebounds.
(11-20-02)
Griffins can't slow Iglehart, Gauchos
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - CIARA IGLEHART scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead visiting Saddleback College to a 72-43 non-conference victory over the Griffins Saturday night (Nov. 16) at Grossmont College. IMANI ORTIZ (Lincoln High) scored 10 points and snared 9 rebounds to pace the Griffins (0-3).
Saddleback (2-1), guided by former Bishop's state-championship coach FENTRISS WINN, could not shake the Griffins in the first half.
"They're so athletic and they're big," said Grossmont coach KAREN CAIRES, whose Griffins trailed the Gauchos only 38-25 after one half. "They just wore us down in the second half."
Grossmont forced 17 turnovers, but lost possession 34 times.
Jennifer Lo added 6 points for Grossmont,
which plays Mount San Jacinto College in Hemet on Wednesday (Nov.
20).
(11-16-02)
Griffins shot down by Lazers in learning effort
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON - SHETIA VAUGHN (Morse HS) scored 14 points and JESSICA BERNAL (Montgomery HS) added 12 points Wednesday night (Nov. 13) as Grossmont College dropped a 72-55 non-conference women's basketball game to the visiting Lazers of Irvine Valley College.
It was the second loss in as many starts for first-year coach KAREN CAIRES' Griffins, who trailed 37-19 at halftime."We are working on baby steps," Caires said. "We have a long ways to go, but I was happy that we outscored Irvine Valley (36-35) in the second half."
IMANI ORTIZ (Lincoln High) grabbed a team-high
10 rebounds for the Griffins, who host Saddleback College Saturday
night (Nov. 16) at 7. The Gauchos, coached by former Bishop's
High state-champion FENTRISS WINN, defeated Southwestern 77-71
Wednesday night.
(11-13-02)