IVC battles tough but falls to College of the Desert, 69-60

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial Valley College Desert Warriors showed major improvement on Wednesday night, pushing College of the Desert for four quarters before ultimately falling 69-60 at home.

IVC came in at 2-6 and looking for redemption after losing to College of the Desert by more than 40 points earlier this season. This time, the Warriors came ready.

Former Kofa King Chantelle Montiel got the offense going early, knocking down a three from the right wing to give IVC an 8-7 lead. The Warriors continued to move the ball well and match COD shot for shot during a back-and-forth first half.

College of the Desert responded with steady ball movement of its own, finding Audrey Tijerina wide open for a three that helped the Roadrunners retake the lead.

Still, IVC kept answering. Daniella Ortega, who finished with a game-high 19 points, delivered a crisp assist to Mia Borboa, who drilled a mid-range jumper as the Warriors stayed within one after the first quarter.

IVC also created momentum on the defensive end. Ortega jumped a passing lane for a steal and took it the other way for an easy basket, giving the Warriors a brief lead, their largest of the night.

But despite the strong effort, the Roadrunners eventually pulled away in the second half to secure the 69-60 win.

Along with Ortega's 19 points, IVC's offense was bolstered by Leslie Herrera and Isabella Trujillo, who each added 12 points.

The Desert Warriors fall to 2-7 on the season but take clear strides forward compared to their earlier matchup against College of the Desert.

IVC returns to action next Wednesday when they travel to face Mt. San Jacinto.