Ventura’s Pressure Puts the Big Squeeze on Santa Ana, 70-55

Top-seeded Ventura College, using pressure defense and an uptempo attack, defeated Santa Ana, 70-55, in a Southern California women’s basketball regional final Friday night at Ventura.

The Pirates (30-3) advance to the eight-team state tournament that begins Thursday at Concordia University in Irvine.

After beating Santa Ana in overtime, 75-73, in the Glendale tournament earlier this season, Ventura trailed, 10-8, with 13 minutes remaining in the first half Friday.

Sparked by Kelly Tobin’s three-point basket, the Pirates took the lead for good at 11-10 and extended their advantage to 35-27 by halftime.

Using full-court pressure defense, Ventura increased its lead to as many as 27 late in the game.

“We’re happy with the intensity of our defense,” Ventura Coach Ned Mircetic said. “They were a little bit bigger and stronger than us and we wanted to wear them down. The game plan was to press all over the court.”

The Pirates’ balanced attack was led by Valerie Wiggins with 13 points. Renae Hofmann, Jackie Rhetta and Tobin each added 10 points. Hofmann had six assists, and Ventura had 11 players who scored in the game.

Santa Ana (23-10) was led by Stephanie Patten, who had 19 points, and Rochelle Anthony, who scored 18. The Dons fielded a team of only seven players.

Ventura is seeking its third state title in four years. After successive championships in 1996 and 1997, the Pirates lost to San Jose in the state final last year.

“We’re happy to be where we’re at--until Sunday, when we get back at it,” Mircetic said.