Saddleback sets rebounding record in win against GWC

The Saddleback women's basketball team picked up a win in Orange Empire Conference play with a 61-50 victory over Golden West College on Friday night inside the Saddleback gymnasium.  Saddleback had four players in double-figures in the win while collecting a program-record 70 rebounds.

Saddleback never trailed in the game, darting out to a 10-1 lead in the opening quarter as Golden West couldn't buy a basket.  The Gauchos would close out the quarter leading 12-5, outrebounding the Rustlers 20-7 over the opening 10 minutes. 

Saddleback extended the lead to 32-16 at the intermission, thanks in large part to some hot shooting from the outside.  Taylor Ogden (pictured) made 2-of-2 shots from three point range as the Gauchos made 3-of-4 as a team for the quarter.   Saddleback shot 70% in the quarter while holding Golden West to 5-of-19 shooting from the field.

Saddleback had things in cruise control for most of the second before Golden West made a late run to make things interesting.  The Rustlers used a 9-0 run midway through the final quarter and eventually cut the lead to 10 with under a minute remaining.  The Gauchos closed out the game when Milanna Difilippo drained two free throws with 39 seconds remaining for the final points of the game.

Difilippo and Je Lise Frank led Saddleback with 13 points apiece while Ogden finished with 12 and Kaleyah Uy had 11.  Saddleback recorded 70 rebounds on the night as Frank finished with a game-high 21.  The 70 rebounds breaks the record of 69 set against Los Angeles Valley College during the 1995-96 season. 

Saddleback is now 3-15 overall and 1-4 in conference play following the win.  The Gauchos will play again on Wednesday when they host Riverside City College.  Tip time is scheduled for 5:00 PM inside the Saddleback gymnasium.