Cochise Secures Back-to-Back Wins to Close Cochise Classic

Cochise CAC
November 15, 2025

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball capped off the Cochise Classic with a gritty 59–58 victory over Mesa Community College, earning back-to-back wins and improving to 2–3 on the season inside the Cochise Stronghold Gymnasium .

The Apaches controlled much of the first half, jumping out to a 21–15 lead after the first quarter before entering halftime ahead 36–34. Mesa battled back repeatedly, tying the game 49–49 entering the fourth quarter, but Cochise's defensive execution and timely interior scoring proved to be the difference.

Sophomore forward Lesline Penge delivered another dominant performance inside, posting 11 points and 18 rebounds while adding five blocks, continuing her streak as one of the most impactful frontcourt players in the ACCAC . She also scored the decisive basket in the final seconds, finishing a layup with :16 remaining to break a 58–58 tie and secure the win.

Freshman Hannah Dibadjou continued her standout early-season stretch, scoring a team-high 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds and converting key free throws down the stretch .
Freshman guard Cecy Burruel added 11 points and 5 rebounds, while freshman guard Gaby Oliver contributed 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, including a third-quarter three that briefly shifted momentum back to Cochise .

Defensively, Cochise controlled the paint throughout the night, outscoring Mesa 32–10 inside and outrebounding the Thunderbirds 41–38. The Apaches also held Mesa to just 30% shooting from the field and 20% in the fourth quarter as the defense tightened when it mattered most .

Mesa was led by Dizhoon White's 9 points and 8 rebounds, while three other players finished with 8 points, but the Apache defensive pressure and late-game poise helped Cochise close out the one-point thriller.

Next Up: Battle of the Boot Classic (Twin Falls, Idaho)

Cochise now heads on the road for a challenging three-game stretch at the Battle of the Boot Classic, hosted by the College of Southern Idaho.

Schedule:

  • Nov. 20 — vs. Shelton State College, 5:00 PM

  • Nov. 21 — vs. Southern Idaho

  • Nov. 22 — vs. Monroe College

The Apaches look to carry their momentum into Twin Falls as they face some of the strongest competition of their non-conference slate.