Ventura’s Appetite Remains Unsatisfied

For all its success, the Ventura College plays like a team hungry for its first big victory.

The Pirates pounded Fullerton, 65-36, Tuesday night at Ventura in the second round of the Southern California Junior College Regional women’s basketball playoffs.

For Ventura (29-3), ranked third in the state and state champion in 1996 and 1997, the victory was the 164th in 173 games.

Fullerton (19-13), which defeated Moorpark, 82-65, in the first round, wasn’t much competition, and Ventura pulled away early. A layup and free throw by Jackie Rhetta gave Ventura a 27-13 lead late in the first half.

In the second half, Jessica Sanders and Trina Ayala made back-to-back three-point baskets, and Ventura soon led by 27 points.

But late in a lopsided game, Coach Ned Mircetic of Ventura was still pacing the sideline.

“He always does that,” said Kristin De Simone, who scored 19 points for Ventura. “He keeps me intense. I don’t even notice it anymore.”

Mircetic said he was just trying to guard against his team becoming complacent.

Ventura was defeated in the state final by San Jose last season, failing to become the first women’s team to win three consecutive state championships.

Top-seeded Ventura will host No. 9-seeded Santa Ana on Friday night in the third round.