Head Coach Lindsay Samaniego has been methodically building a successful and well respected basketball program at San Diego Mesa College. Although the season concluded with a narrow 58-53 loss to Glendale College in the second round of the regional playoffs, the achievements this year serve as a key building block for the program's continued ascent.

"We put ourselves in a position to win, despite not having our best performance,' says Samaniego. "It wasn't for a lack of effort. We played very hard all game long and just came up a little bit short to a team who made it to the State Championship game last season."

Kendal Alloway once again led the team with 16 points, along with 7 rebounds, a steal, and 3 blocks. Rayleen Moreno followed with 11 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, and 4 steals. Christina Bowen contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Alethze Marquez controlled the boards, grabbing 8 rebounds while also adding 8 points, 2 assists, and a steal.

"I am very proud of this team and all they accomplished,' says Samaniego. "We're coming off of our second season with twenty wins, a second straight home playoff win, five players earning all-conference honors, Kendal Alloway named to the third-team all-state, the highest state ranking in program history, and a team 3.4 GPA."

Along with team accomplishments, Samaniego pointed out the impressive number of individual career bests and school records set. She praised the team for their outstanding representation of the athletic department, college athletics, and women's basketball, to the highest standards of sportsmanship and class.

"This group was very close and sad to see it come to an end,' adds Samaniego. "Our sophomores are a big part of growing this program and have set the tone for the upcoming years.  The group of freshmen also stepped up to the challenge and have a bright future ahead. I know they'll continue to carry on the culture and expectations of our program, that we have built over the last five years. 

With a talented core of returning players, a strong incoming class, and the coaching staff actively recruiting, the team is positioned to continue its upward trajectory.