The #4 ranked Women's Basketball team opened defense on their WSC North crown with two wins, the first over Santa Barbara, 68-53 and a blowout win over cross-county rival Ventura, 100-43.

In the mid-week conference opener, the Vaqueros came out firing on all cylinders taking a 23-19 lead after one quarter. Knowing that this was how teams would apporach them, the Raiders stayed calm and slowly took control of the game, outscoring Santa Barbara 23-13 in the 2nd to take a 42-33 halftime lead into halftime.

The Raiders would go on and outscore the Vaqueros 26-17 in the second to get the 68-53 win.

Mika Jarrett led the Raiders with a game high 21 points while Alyssa Saldana added 13 points. Mikayla Oliver had 6 points with 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks in the win.

Hosting Ventura to close out the week, the only questions for the Raiders, would they be able to remain focused for 40 minutes to have their way with Ventura or will have mental lapses to give Ventura a chance?

The first question was answered pretty quickly. With Ventura taking an early 3-2 lead, the Raiders reeled off 18 straight points before the Pirates would two more points. The Raiders would close out the quarter with a 8-3 run to take a 28-8 lead. The rout was on. The Raiders would increase their lead 72-40 after 3 quarters. The Raiders would tighten the defensive screws and hold the Pirates to 3 points in the 4th while scoring 28 to close out the game, 100-43.

Mika Jarrett led a quintet of Raiders to score in double figures with a game high 17 points. Hannah Lingsing and Kristan Yumal each scored 14 points, Marianne Boco had 13 points. Mikayla Oliver had 10 points.

The Raiders are now 14-4 overall and 2-0 in WSC North. They take on Cuesta on Wednesday, 1/15 at 5p. and the come back home to host Hancock, 1/18 at 1p to close out the week.