COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL REGIONALS : Orange Coast Wins, Gains Its First Tournament Berth

Orange Coast earned its first State Tournament berth with a 56-52 victory over Cerritos in a Southern California women’s basketball playoff game Saturday at OCC.

The victory also allowed OCC (27-5) to set a single-season record for victories under Coach Mike Thornton, in his fourth season. Orange Coast started its basketball program in 1978.

LeAnn Kazmer had 22 points and 14 rebounds for OCC. Colleen Hatch scored six of OCC’s final eight points and finished with 14.

Ricarda Kuypers also had 14 for the Pirates, who shot 33% (23 of 69) from the field.

Cerritos also shot poorly. The Falcons made only 19 of 70 shots (27%).

OCC, which started this season with a school-record 15 consecutive victories, plays Hancock (26-3) in the first round of the State Tournament Thursday at Ventura College. Game times will be announced Monday.

In the other first-round contests: Ventura (26-4) plays Siskiyous (22-8); Lassen (31-1) plays Los Angeles Harbor (28-3) and Golden West (34-2) plays Fresno City (26-9). The semifinals are Friday and the title game is Saturday.

In another Southern California playoff game:

Golden West 98, Southwestern 63--Melanie Iwamasa scored 23 points as Golden West (34-2) earned its seventh consecutive tournament berth.

The victory was the 57th consecutive at home for Golden West. Cinnamon Basco grabbed 10 rebounds for the Rustlers to set a school single-season record with 454.

Southwestern led, 16-10, before Golden West rallied to take a 53-36 lead at the half.