Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Wins Seventh State Title, with 57-55 Victory over East LA College

LIVERMORE – The third time’s a charm as the Mt. San Antonio College women’s basketball team finally captured the elusive seventh state title in school history, escaping with a 57-55 victory over East Los Angeles College Sunday afternoon.

It was the Mounties’ third trip to the finals in as many seasons, falling short both times previously to Chabolt last season, and arch nemesis Ventura two years ago.

And it looked like they will fall short again this year, as Mt SAC started out slowly in the first quarter, shooting 29% from the field, including 1 of 5 from the free throw line to fall into a deep 18-9 deficit to end the first quarter.

It was more the same in the second quarter, as the Mounties still weren’t able to find the mark and at one point went four plus minutes without scoring a single point. Gina Henderson broke the spell, scoring the final two baskets in the first half.

It was a tale of two halves, and a reversal of roles as Mt. SAC suddenly found its range, going on a 12-2 run to cut the lead to 36-31 on an Alize Lofton layup. Lofton finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, along with three blocks.

Mt. SAC clawed all the way back in the second half, ending the third on a Jonnae Vermillion layup to make it 43-39. Mt. SAC finally caught the Huskies at 50-50 on a Lofton 3-pointer with a little bit less than four minutes to go in the game.

Henderson, who had a hard fall in the semifinals Friday, looked to be effected by the injury finished with eight points, two assists and two steals. She made her biggest shot with about 2 and a half minutes left to put the Mounties ahead 52-50, and ironically, took another spill while making the shot.

"I'd do anything for my team," she said. "This means everything. I get banged up and hurt just for the championship."

Vermilion chipped in a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds), and Ciara Benton added eight points for the Mounties who finished 34-1 and the seventh state title, which ties it with Ventura College with the most championships.

Photo: Mounties storm the court after escaping with the 57-55 victory for the 7th state title.  Photo by Jason Boggs- CCCAA