MSJC Women Win Roll to Two Wins at Desert Winter Classic

MSJC's #22 Janya Smith had 7 points each day to help the Eagle women's basketball team to a pair of wins over San Diego Mesa and Porterville in Palm Desert Friday and Saturday.  (DeeAnn Bradley/MSJC)
MSJC's #22 Janya Smith had 7 points each day to help the Eagle women's basketball team to a pair of wins over San Diego Mesa and Porterville in Palm Desert Friday and Saturday. (DeeAnn Bradley/MSJC)

The MSJC women's basketball team picked up two more wins over the weekend at the Desert Winter Classic in Palm Desert as they defeated San Diego Mesa and Porterville.

On Friday the Eagles used a fast start to jump out to a 24-10 lead after the first quarter and went on to lead of 39-27 at the half.  MSJC then out scored the Olympians 19-5 in the third period and 27-20 int he fourth to win 85-52.  Haylei Janssens scored a game high 24 points and she also grabbed a team high 7 rebounds.  Diamonerre Butler also reached double figures in scoring for the Eagles with 10 on 4 of 5 shooting from the field.  Deja Blue had a strong game as well with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.  Mariah Sanchez added 9 off the bench and Janya Smith had 7 in the victory.

In Saturday's contest with Porterville the defense took center stage for MSJC, as they survived a first quarter in which they shot just 4 of 24 from the field, but still managed to take a 12-7 lead.  In the second period the Eagles warmed up a bit to build their lead to 33-12 at halftime.  MSJC would go on to out score the Pirates 40-18 in the second half to win 73-30.  On the day the Eagles out rebounded Porterville 71-40.  Janssens once again led all players with 16 points in the game, she also had 12 rebounds.  Haley Suarez added 10 points off the bench for the Eagles who got 36 total points from non starters.  De'Adra Ross just missed a double double with 8 points and a game high 13 boards.  Blue once again filled up the stat sheet with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks to go along with 3 points.

MSJC has now won 8 games in a row and improved their overall record on the season to 10-2.  The Eagles will return to action on Wednesday when they host Mira Costa at 5 pm.  Wednesday's game is part of a doubleheader with the MSJC men's team.