By John M. Sherrard

(Ventura, CA) In an early-season matchup of the two number one women's basketball teams from the north and the south, chaulk one up for the south!

Mt. SAC, ranked first in the south preseason poll by the California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association, defeated their counterpart in the north, San Joaquin Delta, 70-65 in the 20th Annual Ventura College Kiwanis Tournament of Champions semifinals Saturday night.

The Mounties (4-1) will face host Ventura (4-1) on Sunday in the tournament championship.

Mt. SAC, with its CCCAA state title last season, surpassed Ventura for the most championships in California women's basketball history with eight.

Four of the five Mountie starters scored in double figures in the win over the Pirates, with guard Myjoi Adams (6 of 11 FGM, 4 of 5 FT, 6 RB) leading the way with 16 points.

Also in double figures was guard Deja Siaki (4 of 7 3 pt. FG) and forward Jonnae Vermillion (5 of 8 FT, 13 RB) with 15 each, along with 12 points from guard Dominique McLaughlin (5 of 8 FG, 2 of 4 3 pt. FGM, 5 RB).

Forward Tianna Burrell added seven rebounds for the Mounties.

With the Mounties holding a slim three-point lead, 68-65, Burrell sank two free throws with five seconds left to secure the 70-65 victory.

After a 17-17 tie in the opening quarter, Mt. SAC outscored Ventura 20-5 in the second for the 37-22 halftime lead.

San Joaquin (2-3) and Mt. SAC played even again in the third quarter 18-18, but San Joaquin wouldn't go away with a 10-point advantage in the final quarter, 25-15, but still fell short.

Follow Mt. SAC Women's Basketball on twitter @MtSAC_WBKB

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.