Monarchs conquer Knights at home

After a close first quarter, the Monarchs outscored the visiting team for the rest of the match to grab their first home win 68-51.

By Kevin Khachatryan, Staff Writer

Sophomore Guard Leena Vo shuffles on defense against Knights Kaniya Lloyd. The Lady Monarchs won 68-51 on Tuesday. (Ash Shafa | Valley Star)

Following a Title IX event in support of women’s athletics, the Lady Monarchs came off last week’s loss looking for redemption by outpacing the Knights of San Diego City College by 17 points.

After taking the game by storm in the second half, the Monarchs’ (2-1) offense stomped through the Knights’ (4-3) defense, who struggled to keep up with the 3-point shooting. The opposing team struggled to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball, shooting 10 percent from the 3-point line, which prevented them from staying in the game. Freshman guard Jacqueline Privado and Jordyn Jiron racked up 16 points each, leading the Lady Monarchs a 68-51 win.

“We were motivated,” said head coach Monica Hang. “We hate losing, it’s always a great feeling to win on your home court and in front of your fans.”

The lead never shifted hands throughout the second half. Valley kept the Knights offense at bay and forced nine turnovers. Two 3-pointers in the second quarter by freshmen Emilie Brugna and Juliet Jaramillo extended the lead to nine, making it 33-24 to end the first half.

The home team went on a 8-2 run in the first three minutes of the third quarter, increasing its lead to 41-26. The Knights were unable to stop the Monarch’s offensive momentum shifted to Valley’s favor.

Sophomore guard Jordyn Jiron goes for a rebound against Knights player of San Diego City College. The Monarchs defeated the Knights 68-51. (Ash Shafa | Valley Star)

It was a very physical game for the Monarchs as they committed 19 personal fouls and 17 turnovers.

“Stop flopping,” said Hang to the players on the court after a timeout. “Be smarter on the floor.”

Freshman Leena Vo capped off the scoring as she sank a final layup for the Monarchs, making the score 68-51 at the buzzer.

“We have a very tough preseason schedule,” said Hang. “We will continue to focus on ourselves and improve as individuals, so we can improve as a unit. Our goal is to become the best that we can be.”

Carole Oldsby spoke at the Title IX event before the game’s tipoff about the changing world of women’s sports. In support of Title IX, some of the attendees wore black t-shirts, which were matched by the uniforms of the Lady Monarchs.

Since Oldsby played for the Monarchs in 1971-72, women participation in sports has dramatically increased.