By John M. Sherrard

(Visalia, CA) Playing in their third consecutive tournament championship game of the season, the Mt. SAC Women Basketball team fell to host College of the Sequoias (COS), 64-51, on Sunday afternoon in the 41st Annual Gilcrest Invitational.

The Giants, with large runs in both the third and fourth quarters, pulled away from the Mounties to take the championship in one of the top tournaments in the state.

Ten of the 16 teams in tournament were ranked top fifteen in the California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association preseason polls.

COS was ranked fourth in the North and the Mounties (8-2) were first in the South.

In the title game, the Mounties were led by a game-high 19 points from sophomore forward Jonnae Vermillion (7 of 10 FT, 8 reb, 2 Blks., Steal) and guard Deja Siaki (2 of 3 3pt., 6 reb) who had 12 points. Myjoi Adams (3 of 3 FT, 5 reb, 2 Steals) added nine points for Mt. SAC.

As a team the Mounties were 11-15 (73.3%) from the free throw line and outrebounded COS 35-32.

In the opening quarter, the Mounties held a 14-12 lead and extended it to 8 points at the half, 29-21, behind Vermillions' 11 first-half points.

After Adams made a layup early in the third quarter for Mt. SAC's largest lead (10 points) of the game, 31-21, the Giants began their comeback.

COS ended the quarter on a 24-7 run to turn the tables on the Mounties for a seven-point 45-38 lead heading into the final quarter.

Early in the final quarter, Vermillion made a jump shot to get within four points, 46-42, but from there it was COS extending the lead with a 18-9 run, for the 64-51 final score.

Mt. SAC plays its last home game of 2017 with a non-conference contest against undefeated Palomar (10-0), this Wednesday, December 6th at 6:00 pm.

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.