Citrus Claws It Way to Victory

In a close battle, Citrus College defeated LA Valley 13-12 to earn its way into the Western State Conference Tournament.

The Owls improve to 15-13 overall, while the Monarchs end the year with a 5-17 mark.

Teghan Miller led the Owls with four goals and three steals, while Mia Meldrum, Delaney Latham, Amelia Wolfe, and Andrea Hayler each scored twice. Charly Figueroa also capitalized for the Owls.

In the cage, Mia Pfutzenrueter made nine saves in three quarters of action while Isabella Romero also posted a save.

Citrus built a seven-point cushion halfway through the third, but LA Valley came storming back. The Monarchs pulled within two, 11-9, with just under six minutes left in the game before back-to-back goals from Meldrum and Latham gave the Owls some distance.

LA Valley tried to overcome the four-point margin, but Citrus' defense held strong to secure the 13-12 victory.

The Owls have a big task in front of them, taking on top-seeded Santa Barbara City College on Friday at 12:15 p.m. in hopes of advancing to the tournament championship game on Saturday.