Cochise Defeats Southern Nevada in Play-In, Advances to Region I Semifinals

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball kept its postseason hopes alive Wednesday night, defeating the College of Southern Nevada 92–69 in an ACCAC play-in game at the Cochise Stronghold Gymnasium. With the victory, the Apaches advance to the NJCAA Region I Tournament Semifinals.

Cochise improves to 12–20 overall (7–9 ACCAC) and officially secures the No. 4 seed in the Region I Tournament.

The play-in game was created after a three-way tie in the final conference standings between Cochise, Central Arizona College, and Southern Nevada, all finishing at 7–9 in ACCAC play. Conference officials determined the postseason format, sending Central Arizona directly to the semifinals after a coin toss, while Cochise hosted Southern Nevada for the remaining semifinal berth.

Cochise came out with strong defensive energy, limiting Southern Nevada's scoring opportunities early and building momentum throughout the game. The Apaches maintained control in the second half, making key plays down the stretch to secure the nine-point win and punch their ticket to the regional semifinals.

Freshman Malika Goutay led Cochise with a dominant performance, recording 22 points and 12 rebounds to register another double-double on the season. Cecy Burruel provided a major boost from the perimeter with 18 points, including several timely baskets that helped keep Cochise in front.

Noa Mikami contributed nine points and four assists, orchestrating the offense, while Lesline Penge anchored the interior with strong rebounding and adefensive presence in the paint.

Cochise controlled the glass and capitalized on key scoring runs to hold off Southern Nevada's late push, sending the Stronghold crowd home celebrating a postseason victory.

Next Up: Region I Semifinals

The Apaches will now travel to Thatcher, Arizona, on Saturday, March 7, to face No. 1 seeded Eastern Arizona College in the NJCAA Region I Semifinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Eastern Arizona enters the matchup as the conference's top seed, while Cochise looks to continue its postseason run after earning the play-in victory on its home floor.