Women's Basketball Wins LA Valley Tournament Consolation

VALLEY GLEN, Calif. -- College of the Desert (9-7) women's basketball turned in yet another strong tournament performance in the early season, as they picked up two wins and the consolation championship in last weekend's LA Valley Russell Classic in Valley Glen.

The Lady Roadrunners opened the event with a 65-54 loss against Cypress, before bouncing back with 69-55 victory over Citrus on the tournament's second day.

Freshman center Ashley Preist (Yucca Valley, CA/Yucca Valley HS) led COD with her fifth double-double of the season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while freshman forward Jerrica Perez (Indio, CA/Shadow Hills HS) added 15 points on 6-10 (60 percent) shooting off the bench.  

COD followed up with an 84-74 win over the LA Valley Alumni squad, earning them the consolation victory.  

Preist again led the way on offense for the Lady Roadrunners, scoring 22 points on 11-16 (69 percent) shooting.  Freshman guard Kelcey Beckham (Indio, CA/Indio HS) dropped in 20 points, while freshman guard Reina West (San Jacinto, CA/San Jacinto HS) added 13.

For her stellar efforts, Preist was named to the All-Tournament team.  

College of the Desert will open its home schedule this Thursday as they host the 2015 Desert Winter Classic.  The Lady Roadrunners open the event against LA Harbor on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.