Oxnard Rolls But Not Happily

Never mind that Oxnard High had just clinched at least a share of the Pacific View League title.

After the host Yellowjackets’ 44-39 victory Tuesday night over Camarillo, Coach Ryle Lynch-Cole was hardly in a mood to celebrate.

Maybe it was because his team struggled offensively and finished with 19 turnovers.

Or maybe it had something to do with the loss of senior guard Michelle Morgan, among Oxnard’s top players, who injured her left knee in practice Monday and did not play.

Morgan will be re-examined by her doctor today, although she is not expected to play Thursday against Rio Mesa.

“Sometimes your record doesn’t indicate how well you’re playing,” Lynch-Cole said. “We still have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”

For the moment, the Yellowjackets (18-5, 6-0 in league play) will have to be satisfied with owning a share of the league title.

They won behind an impressive defensive performance, forcing 27 turnovers.

After scoring only two points in the first half, senior center Memory Rhone responded with 11 of her 13 points in the second half. She had nine rebounds.

Sophomore guard Sienna Abraham had six points and eight assists, and senior forward Sara Wilkins had 11 rebounds.

Camarillo (13-8, 3-3) was led by Lauren Ferreira with 14 points and Tanya Wismann with 11.