Cochise Falls at Arizona Western in Conference Road Test

YUMA, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball was unable to keep pace on the road Saturday afternoon, falling 67–56 to Arizona Western College in ACCAC conference action at The House.

The loss drops the Apaches to 6–16 overall and 2–5 in conference play.

Arizona Western built early momentum, jumping out to a 16–8 first-quarter lead and extending the advantage to 37–25 at halftime. Cochise responded with improved energy in the second half, cutting into the deficit behind strong interior play and timely perimeter shooting, but was unable to fully close the gap.

Sophomore center Lesline Penge led the Apaches with a double-double, posting 15 points and 15 rebounds, while adding three blocks and anchoring the defense in the paint. Freshman Hannah Dibadjou also delivered an efficient performance, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

Guard Noa Mikami added 13 points and knocked down three three-pointers, while freshman Cecy Burruel contributed six points and battled defensively against Arizona Western's backcourt pressure.

Cochise shot 42.3 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, but turnovers proved costly, as the Apaches committed 30, which Arizona Western converted into 36 points. The Matadors also recorded 21 assists, consistently finding open shooters in transition and half-court sets.

Arizona Western was led by Chen Pan with 12 points and five assists, while Marta Vieira added 13 points as the Matadors improved to 14–8 overall and 7–1 in conference play.

Next Up

Cochise returns to action Wednesday, February 4, traveling to Thatcher, Arizona, to face Eastern Arizona College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM.