GCC falls at home again

NORTHEAST GLENDALE — Fans of the Glendale Community College women’s basketball team will have to wait a while longer to witness the Vaqueros’ first home victory in two seasons.

Glendale went 0-23 last year, but got off to a hot start this season, winning a pair of games at a tournament in San Diego to open the season. But after back-to-back home losses in its own Vaquero Shootout tournament, Glendale has yet to enjoy success on its home court.

Glendale fell to Antelope Valley, 79-55, on Saturday.

The Vaqueros (2-3) found themselves behind early to the Marauders and had to play catch-up most of the game,

“I think maybe cause it’s our first home tournament,” said Glendale’s Jenee Stevenson. “I think it’s just the home jitters.”

The Vaqueros were once again without starting point guard Michelle Eclar, who rolled her ankle last weekend and is game-to-game.

“It’s tough because we rely on her so much, but we have good players to step in and really help us out,” said Glendale Coach Carrie Miller.

Up, 7-6, early in the contest Saturday, Antelope Valley scored 10 unanswered points to open the game up, and took a 40-29 advantage going into halftime.

The Vaqueros made a push in the second half, even holding Antelope scoreless for nearly six minutes and cut the deficit to 46-40.

That’s as close as Glendale would get.

The Marauders went on a 26-4 run en route to the 79-55 win.

“I think they’re still learning how to get over that hump,” Miller said of her team’s ability to get close, but not keep momentum. “I think last year plays a factor. They play hard, but I think they second-guess themselves.”

“We’ve got to take care of the ball more,” Miller added.

Stevenson finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Lidia Rivas had 14 points and teammate Alexandra Mancillas added 10 points in the losing effort.

Maurisha McKissic had 22 points for Antelope Valley

With a pair of victories on the road already this season, the Vaqueros have already outproduced last year’s team. A home victory in 2011 may only be a matter of time.

“We have a lot of room for improvement, and I think we can get there,” Miller said. “We’ve just got to stay together and keep working hard.”