Owls Take Third at Charger Classic

Citrus College avenged its first loss of the year by downing No. 12-ranked East Los Angeles College 73-71 to take third place at the 40^th Annual Charger Classic, hosted by Cypress College, Sunday afternoon.

The Owls improve to 6-3 overall, while the Huskies slip to 5-5 on the year.

Kristin Morella led the Owls with 30 points (10-for-17) including eight crucial points from the charity stripe. Jolleen Olia followed with 21 points (7-for-25) and dished out five assists in the game.

Sammy Martinez grabbed 10 rebounds, while Olia finished with eight boards and Morella chipped in seven rebounds.

The Owls opened with the first points of the contest after Martinez banked in an Olia assist. They held a one-point upper hand at halftime, 29-28, after Morella closed the second quarter with three free throws, but the Huskies made things interesting coming down to the wire.

In the final seconds of the game, Morella came up big once again at the line, knocking in two clutch free throws to put the Owls in front, but there was still time on the clock. East LA called a timeout and had a chance at a tying buzzer-beater, but Morella snatched up the rebound to secure the victory for Citrus.

Following the game, Morella and Martinez were named to the All-Tournament Team. 

The Owls continue life on the road, heading to the PCC-Grand Canyon Crossover Tournament next weekend, hosted by Pasadena City College. Citrus first takes on Shasta College on Friday at 4 p.m. before challenging Merritt on Saturday at 11 a.m.