Vaqs Fall to MiraCosta

By Aj Nagbe

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — The Vaqueros struggled to keep pace with MiraCosta in the first round of the Canyons Crossover, falling 59–45 on Thursday as the undefeated Spartans pulled away in the second half. 

The Vaqueros stayed close through the first three quarters, but MiraCosta's explosive fourth quarter, in which they scored 28 points, put the game out of reach. 

Aariah Fox led the Vaqueros with 16 points, adding 9 rebounds in 35 minutes of action. 

Despite Fox's effort, the Vaqueros struggled offensively as a team, shooting just 26.3% from the field and 10.5% from three-point range. 

Turnovers also hurt Santa Barbara, with 21 miscues leading to 28 points for MiraCosta. 

The Spartans pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring SBCC 28–16 and holding an advantage on the boards 48–39. 

Bench production was limited, with only nine points coming from Santa Barbara reserves, making it difficult for the Vaqueros to keep pace in the second half. 

Coach Sandrine Krul praised the team's effort despite the loss, noting that Santa Barbara played "36 great minutes" and competed for the full 40. 

She highlighted the defensive adjustments, holding MiraCosta to just one made three-pointer on 20 attempts, well below their season average of 47%. 

"We couldn't score down the stretch, and we turned the ball over," Krul said, "but we're right there. We're competing in every game." 

Krul emphasised the team's depth and composure, noting that all 13 players contributed throughout the game and that the gym atmosphere felt like a playoff matchup. 

"In a close game, you have to have composure, and you can't turn the ball over," she said. "I'm proud of our team for battling for 37 minutes. Our motto today was 40 minutes, 13 players for 40 minutes."