Saridin Doubles Down for Canyons in 60-49 Loss to AVC

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director 

College of the Canyons freshman Alissa Saridin recorded a second straight double-double in the Cougars' 60-49 home conference loss to Antelope Valley College on Monday.

Canyons (4-12, 0-2) and Antelope Valley (9-7, 2-0) had been slated to open Western State Conference (WSC), South Division play on Jan. 8, but had that contest postponed due to wildfires throughout the region. 

The Cougars started a bit slow but put together a productive second quarter before heading into the halftime locker room at 35-30.

The combination of Saridin, Mia Ceja and Jazmin Bolanos did the bulk of the scoring in that second frame. Bolanos' three-pointer with 3:25 to go in the quarter cut into the AVC lead at 31-23. Later, her steal on the defensive end led to a pair of Ceja free throws that closed out the half.

Meanwhile, Saradin found her rhythm early with six points, two assists and five boards in the first 10 minutes of play. She eventually finished the game with an all-around stat line of 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. 

Saradin's double-double was her sixth of the season and second of conference play. She has now pulled down 10 or more boards in eight games and is averaging 9.9 points and 10.5 rebounds each night out.

Ceja dished out six assists while adding five rebounds and 13 points, finishing 6-of-7 from the foul line. Bolanos ended her shift with seven points, four rebounds and three steals. 

Antelope Valley powered past the Cougars thanks in large part to the 29 points produced by Athieng Bol, who also converted 11-of-12 from the charity stripe.  

No other AVC player reached double digits as the Marauders shot an even 40 percent from the field. Canyons finished at just over 35 percent for the game but struggled from long range throughout the contest.

Canyons takes to the road Wednesday, Jan. 15 for a 5 p.m. conference game at Citrus College. The Cougars then return home to host L.A. Valley College at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, with that game being broadcast to fans free of charge on the Cougars Sports Network. 

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.   

—Photo by Carla Sophia Velasco/COC Sports Information