Sophomore Day Spark: Roadrunners Sweep Season Series with Pirates

The College of the Desert women's basketball team celebrated Sophomore Day, St. Valentine's Day, and Military Appreciation Day in style Saturday afternoon, returning to .500 on the season with a 67–52 victory over the Palo Verde Pirates of Blythe.

With the win, the Roadrunners improve to 12-12 overall and 6-6 in conference play, while completing a season sweep of the Pirates. The three-game sweep marks a dramatic turnaround for COD, which entered the 2025-26 campaign 0-5 all-time against Palo Verde.

After a competitive opening quarter, the Roadrunners seized control in the second period, erupting for 24 points to build a cushion they would not relinquish. The defensive intensity matched the offensive surge, as COD forced key turnovers and converted them into transition opportunities.

Sophomore guard Giovanna Espinoza (La Quinta H.S.) led the charge with her fifth 25-point performance of the season, pouring in 29 points on 11-of-29 shooting. She connected on seven three-pointers and set the tone defensively with a team-high seven steals.

Freshman guard Mariah Figueroa (Thermal Coachella Valley) provided a major spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting effort, her second-highest scoring output of the season.

Sophomores Audrey Tijerina (La Quinta H.S.) and Olivia Castaneda (Menifee Paloma Valley) added seven points apiece, while freshman forward Mia Aceituno (Bermuda Dunes Desert Christian Academy) delivered a strong all-around performance with 10 rebounds (five defensive) and a team-best five assists. Freshman guard Ava Tethal (Palm Desert H.S.) contributed eight rebounds, including six on the defensive end.

The Roadrunners will close out their home schedule on February 18 at 5 p.m. when they host the Victor Valley Rams of Victorville in their final home contest of the season.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Hazael Velazquez Photography.