Vaqs Start Season with Pair of Wins

GOLETA, Calif. – The No. 20 Santa Barbara City College women's basketball team earned their first two wins of the season with victories over LA Southwest and Merced at Robertson Gymnasium over the weekend.

The season opened on Friday with an 84-52 victory over LA Southwest.

Emblematic of their defensive intensity fueling offensive freedom ethos, the Vaqs recorded 14 steals and 8 blocks en route to shooting nearly 40 percent from the field and 11-of-13 players scoring.

"It's again winning by committee and rebounding the ball so we can play very, very fast," said head coach Sandrine Krul.

Perhaps a bit overzealous on defense, SBCC committed 31 personal fouls compared to LA Southwest's 18.

Things tightened up on Saturday, as Merced challenged the entirety of the Vaquero lineup. 

Santa Barbara committed 19 turnovers, leading to 14 points, and allowed 18 second chance points. 

Trailing 29-28 at the half, Kaylee Lawson hit a 3-pointer to open the third quarter and help spark the Vaquero offensive attack – outscoring Merced 29-23 down the stretch.

Milan Jackson would lead the offensive attack with 15 points while grabbing 8 rebounds in the win.

Throughout the weekend, Aariah Fox demonstrated her versatility and commitment to both ends of the floor as she finished the weekend with 26 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals and 9 points.

Santa Barbara plays again on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Mission to start a long stretch on the road. The Vaqueros will return to Robertson Gymnasium after the New Year.