Hancock Women Stay Ranked in South Region Poll

For the third straight week, the Allan Hancock College women's basketball team is ranked in the top 15 in the South Region Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 14 in the latest poll released this week.

The Bulldogs are off to a 10-4 start that includes a fourth place finish at the Monterey Classic and the program's first Cuesta Tournament championship since 1991.

Two of Hancock's losses this season were against ranked teams. Undefeated Siskiyous, which edged Hancock 86-78 last week, is ranked first in the North Region and fourth in the state. West Hills - Lemoore (11-5) is No. 12in the North Region. Hancock fell 59-59 to West Hills the first week of the season.

Mt. San Antonio, which is off to a 13-1 start, and 12-0 Mt. San Jacinto are tied for first in the South Region. Long Beach City College (9-1), Palmoar (10-2) and Ventura (12-3) round out the region's top five. Mt. SAC and Mt. SJC are the top two ranked team in the state poll. Long Beach is sixth in California, Ventura is seventh and Palomar ninth.

Hancock freshman guard Syenna Ramirez is averaging 18.4 points per game, which ranks 13th in the state. The St. Joseph High School graduate scored a career-high 40 points against Siskiyous last week.

Fellow freshman Destinee Garcia ranks fifth in California by averaging 3.9 steals per game. She had a career-high seven swipes against Siskiyous. She is the team's leading rebounder at 7.9 rebounds per game.  Kelly McClain ranks second with 7.2 boards per contest.

The Bulldogs will enjoy a break from competition during the holiday season. Head coach Cary Nerelli's squad returns to aciton on Saturday, January 2, at Hartnell College (3-6). The game will begin at 3 p.m.