Valley Women Avenge Loss to Canyons

As a changing of the guard is taking place in Western State Conference women’s basketball, it may have to wait until Valley changes its guards . . . and forwards . . . and centers.

The Lady Monarchs used a sophomore-dominated lineup and balanced scoring to overcome a 14-point first-half deficit and pull out a 72-67 win over Canyons in a conference opener Wednesday night at Canyons.

Valley, the three-time defending conference champion and state runner-up last year, knew better than to overlook doormat-turned-dominant Canyons.

Canyons (12-4), which won only five games the past two seasons, had nipped the Lady Monarchs, 73-72, last week in the Fullerton tournament.

“It was definitely fresh in our minds,” Valley Coach Doug Michelson said.

Canyons jumped out to a 24-10 lead, but Valley scored eight of the last 10 first-half points to close to within four at the break.

The teams traded the lead throughout the second half before Valley scored eight consecutive points with less than eight minutes remaining to take a 64-57 lead it never relinquished.

“I hate to throw in those jargon cliches, but we concentrated and executed on both sides of the court,” Michelson said. “Our defense led to some easy baskets.”

Valley (15-3) had four players score in double figures, including two players off the bench. The reserves combined for 30 points.

Christine Rumfola and Sandrine Rocher scored 12 and 10 points and reserves Angela Smith and Claudia Rocha each scored 10.

“They had some players come off the bench we hadn’t counted on hurting us,” Canyons Coach Jeff Dunlap said.

Canyons forward Tressie Millender scored 16 points in the first half but was held to five thereafter.

“We tried to find her a spot to get hot, but she didn’t have a grooving like the first half,” Dunlap said.

“Maybe she was tired.”

Guards DeeDee Hinson and Keira Irwin supported Millender with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

After winning a school-record 12 games, Canyons has lost three consecutive games and will play host to Pierce on Saturday.

“That magnifies the Pierce game,” Dunlap said. “We need to come out and show we’re for real.”