The Mesa College Women's basketball team continue their solid play with a first-place finish at the annual Santa Ana College Tournament. The three consecutive wins bring their overall record to an outstanding 8-1, the best start for the program under Head Coach Lindsay Samaniego.

After an initial 57-44 win against Santa Ana College on Thursday, the Olympians dominated L.A. Harbor College 80-30. They then clinched the tournament with a solid 63-58 win against Riverside City College on Saturday.

"I'm really proud of our group for our effort and resiliency throughout this tournament," states Samaniego. "We showed real toughness on the third day, both mentally and physically. This was a total team effort with someone different stepping up each day whether it be offensively or defensively."

Sophomore Alethze Marquez had a standout tournament, averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds throughout the tournament. The La Mesa native was named Tournament MVP.

Sophomore guard Alivia Gillespie also earned a spot on the SAC All-Tournament Team. Gillespie, from Oceanside High School, averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds all three days, including 6 steals against Riverside City College.

The Olympians will now travel north to Fullerton to face Orange Coast College at L.A. Valley College. Game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.