Valley Women Rout Citrus in Regional

The Valley College women’s basketball team, seeded second in the Southern California regional playoffs and ranked third in the state, expected to have an easy time playing host to Citrus in a first-round game Wednesday night.

Citrus did nothing to alter those expectations.

After shooting 39% in the first half, Valley (24-4) pulled away from Citrus (12-15), which was seeded 15th in the 16-team field, and coasted to a 74-45 victory at Valley. Under departing Coach Jim Stephens, who will direct the Valley men’s team next season, the Monarchs are within one game of a berth in the state tournament.

“I’m putting all the pressure on myself,” Stephens said. “If we just play our game, stressing defense, we should win. It’s that simple.”