Ceja and Saridin Shine as Cougars Fall at Citrus

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director 

GLENDORA — College of the Canyons is still looking for its first conference victory after its 75-54 road loss at Citrus College on Wednesday. 

Canyons (4-13, 0-3) served as the latest victim for a Citrus (11-6, 2-1) squad that has won three of its last four outings. 

The Cougars were led by freshman Alissa Saridin and Mia Ceja who both continue to play well amid the team's current six-game slide. 

Ceja finished the game with 23 points and four assists, providing a bright spot for a COC team that shot just under 34 percent from the field. She finished the contest 7-of-17 from the field and converted on all six free throw attempts. 

Saridin posted another double-double, her third straight, with 15 points and a game-high 13 boards. The bulk of her scoring came in the second quarter with seven points on a 3-of-5 shooting performance. 

Vivianna Alvarado also had an impact with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, a block and a pair of steals. 

COC trailed 38-26 at the break and then fell behind further during a decisive third quarter in which the Owls shot 60 percent and extended their lead to a 21-point margin. 

Citrus controlled the glass with a rebounding edge of 47-30, with 12 coming from Maileeh Suasti. Owls reserve Kristin Morella led with 22 points on a 10-of-12 shooting night.

Canyons heads back into battle Saturday, Jan. 18, in a 3 p.m. tip off vs. L.A. Valley College at the Cougar Cage. That game will be broadcast to fans free of charge via 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 Valery Diaz/COC Sports Information