BUTTE VALLEY — The Butte College women’s basketball team tipped off its California Community College Athletic Association playoff run Saturday, as the Roadrunners look to return to the CCCAA final for a second straight season.
The Roadrunners (28-1), ranked No. 1 in the state for the first time in program history and entering as the No. 1 seed in playoffs, defeated No. 16 Hartnell (20-10) 81-57 at Butte College.
It was the second win of the season for the Roadrunners against the Panthers, as Butte won 84-50 at the Foothill tournament Dec. 8.
With the win, Butte advances to the CCCAA NorCal semifinals, where the Roadrunners will face No. 8 Cosumnes River (23-6) on Saturday. The two teams did not meet this season or in 2022-23, with the two teams’ last matchup occurring Dec. 7, 2021.
The first half Saturday was closely contested, as Butte led 39-36 at halftime. However Butte extended its lead to 59-50 after three quarters, and the Roadrunners outscored the Panthers 22-7 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Butte freshman Morgan Trigueiro had nine of her 21 points in the second half. She added 10 rebounds to her night’s total. Sarah Tait had 15 points, 21 coming in the second half, and added seven rebounds. Jocelyn Medina had 14 points, five rebounds, and a team-high six assists and five steals. Medina had nine points in the second half.
Butte took advantage from the free-throw line, converting on 16-of-20 shots. The Roadrunners forced 26 turnovers on defense and turned the ball over 13 times, converting 25 points off turnovers. The Roadrunners’ bench was strong as well, outscoring Hartnell’s bench 16-0 led by Shade Satica’s seven.
The time for the Roadrunners’ final home game is to be determined on March 9. The winner will be one of the CCCAA Final 4 teams that will head to Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.
