WHC Golden Eagles fall to Santa Barbara, COS in Warkentin Tourney

Former Lemoore High standout Taylor Vasquez under the basket in Saturday's game against College of the Sequoias.

Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

The weekend ended for West Hills Saturday afternoon in the Golden Eagle Arena when College of the Sequoias defeated the Lady Eagles 70-57 in the third-place contest.

Unfortunately, the Vaqueros speed and quickness in Friday night's marquee matchup outmatched the Golden Eagles as they dropped their first home game of the year, a 73-59 loss. The local ladies were sent to the third place slot where they met the Lady Giants Saturday at 1 p.m. in their home arena. 

Santa Barbara played Fresno City College for the tournament championship at 3 p.m. Fresno beat College of the Sequoias in its semifinal, 65-55 for the spot in the tournament title game.

In the Santa Barbara game, Shay Brown led the Golden Eagles with 21 points, and former Lemoore High star Taylor Vasquez chipped in with 18.

The Vaqueros took the early lead, but WHC managed to cut the halftime deficit to 35-26 to stay in the contest. Santa Barbara slowly chipped away and led 63-41 by the end of the third quarter. 

The Golden Eagles kicked off the tourney with a Thursday night, 7 p.m. in against an alumni team. 

Golden Eagles 2017-18 Schedule

Other teams in the tourney include College of the Sequoias, Hartnell, Chabot, and Fresno City College.

West Hills College Lemoore had an overall record of 5-4 heading into this weekend’s action, its last win a 69-53 decision over San Diego Mesa in the Santa Ana College Tournament on Dec. 1. Its most recent loss came against San Bernardino, in the same tourney, a 59-45 setback.

The Tigers have a solid lineup in 2017-18, one that includes three Lemoore High School athletes: Taylor Vasquez, a returning sophomore, and newcomers Monica Lopez and Stephanie Gomez.

"We're very young this year," said Golden Eagles Coach Andrea Picchi. "We're probably the youngest since our first year. I think we're going to have a big learning year."

One of the keys to success this year could be Lemoore's Vasquez, a returning sophomore who will start for the Golden Eagles. "She has a big role to play for our team," said Picchi. 

Another possible starter is former Tiger Monica Lopez, a freshman for the Golden Eagles. "She could start for us and is a critical component of our team."