Cochise Pulls Away Late to Defeat Phoenix, Improves to 1–3
DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball earned its first win of the season Friday night hosting the 2nd Annual Cochise Classic and using a dominant fourth quarter to defeat Phoenix College 57–51 in front of the home crowd at the Cochise Stronghold gymnasium.
The matchup was tight through three quarters, with the teams tied 10–10 after the first and Cochise holding a 25–22 halftime lead. Phoenix surged ahead early in the second half, but Cochise responded with poise—then closed the night with its best offensive stretch of the season. The Apaches erupted for 24 fourth-quarter points, shooting 60% from the field in the final frame to seal the win .
Freshman guard Gaby Oliver led the scoring punch with 17 points, knocking down three three-pointers and delivering key baskets during the fourth-quarter run .
Freshman Cecy Burruel continued her steady play with 15 points and 5 assists, attacking the lane and providing a crucial scoring lift when the game tightened in the third quarter .
The night's biggest impact came from sophomore forward Lesline Penge, who dominated the interior with 22 rebounds, 10 points, and 6 blocks, controlling the paint on both ends and swinging momentum repeatedly in Cochise's favor. Her presence limited Phoenix to just 26.4% shooting on the night and shut down multiple scoring attempts late in the game .
Sophomore Mary Ojo added 5 points off the bench, including a timely jumper to end the first quarter, while Noa Mikami contributed 3 points and 6 steals, helping create turnovers that led to transition opportunities .
Cochise outscored Phoenix 24–13 in the fourth quarter and finished the game shooting 42%, their most efficient performance of the early season. The Apaches also won the battle in the paint with 26 points inside, while holding Phoenix to 18 .
Next Up
Cochise (1–3) wraps up the Cochise Classic tomorrow, Saturday, November 15, with a 3:00 PM matchup against Mesa Community College at Cochise Stronghold Gymnasium in Douglas.