Ventura Needs No Help This Time

This time there was no controversy.

Ventura College, playing Valley for the first time since last year’s state playoffs, cruised to a Western State Conference interdivisional women’s basketball victory, 73-55, on Thursday night at Valley.

A timekeeper’s error allowed the Pirates to make the winning free throw during the second-round of the playoffs last year. Valley lost a protest and Ventura reached the state final in Irvine.

This time, the Monarchs (11-7) weren’t in the game long enough. Valley fell behind early and never recovered.

Renae Hofmann scored 19 points for the Pirates (16-3), including two three-pointers during a 16-2 game-opening run. Elena Salvador added 10 points.

Ventura clamped down with its defense, minimizing easy shots and forcing numerous turnovers.

The Pirates held Tynisha Howze to 12 points and Maricela Rodriguez to seven. Melolini Malaki scored 13 points for Valley.

Ventura led, 39-19, at halftime and Valley was fortunate to be that close after trailing 36-10.

The Monarchs pulled to within 12 points with 10:20 left in the game but could get no closer.