Resilience and Fire on Display at Jaguar Classic
Game 1: Lassen vs. San Jose – Tough Shooting Night in the Opener
Final Score: San Jose 65, Lassen 48
The Cougars opened the Jaguar Classic with a tough matchup against the host, San Jose City College. Despite a competitive first quarter in which Lassen scored 17 points, their offense struggled to maintain rhythm as the game wore on. Cold shooting from the field (25.4%) and behind the arc (26.5%) ultimately limited their ability to keep pace in a 65–48 loss.
Lassen showed balance in scoring, with Alizah Lara leading the way with 13 points, including three made three-pointers. Miliani Crosno contributed 9 points and grabbed an impressive 11 rebounds, battling consistently on the boards. Claudia Garcia-Juarez played a steady floor game, adding five rebounds and five points in just 25 minutes of action.
Despite the loss, the Cougars had several positive takeaways. They held San Jose to just 7.1% shooting from three and forced 17 turnovers, thanks to aggressive perimeter defense and consistent pressure. However, Lassen’s own 22 turnovers made it difficult to convert stops into offensive production. The team also missed opportunities at the line, converting just 62.5% of their free throws.
Overall, the Cougars stayed within striking distance for most of the contest but couldn’t generate enough consistent offense to close the gap. With energy on defense and hustle across the floor, this game laid the groundwork for the team’s response in the following matchups.
Game 2: Lassen vs. Gavilan – Cougars Dominate Wire-to-Wire
Final Score: Lassen 67, Gavilan 48
On day two of the tournament, Lassen delivered their best performance of the weekend with a dominant 67–48 win over Gavilan. The Cougars came out aggressive, scoring 20 first-quarter points and leading by 19 at halftime. Though they briefly went cold in the third quarter, they roared back with a 21-point fourth to seal the win.
Kyleigh Flux exploded for 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including four threes, leading all scorers. Alizah Lara chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Nisa Rodriguez had a well-rounded game with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. Lassen’s offense clicked as they shot 32.9% from the field and nailed nine three-pointers, their highest total of the season so far.
Beyond scoring, the Cougars controlled the game with energy on both ends. They out-rebounded Gavilan 46–39 and forced 32 turnovers, including 16 steals—a stat that reflected their tenacity and improved defensive communication. Rachel Ply added 5 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, serving as a steadying presence in the post.
This win was more than just a notch in the win column—it was a confidence-builder. The Cougars looked cohesive, energized, and locked in. Their bench contributed valuable minutes, and multiple players impacted the game on both ends. It was a clear step forward and proof of what the team can achieve when everything clicks.
Game 3: Lassen vs. Cosumnes River – Cold Shooting Hampers Strong Effort
Final Score: Cosumnes River 76, Lassen 44
Lassen wrapped up the Jaguar Classic with a disappointing 76–44 loss to a red-hot Cosumnes River team. After a promising first quarter that saw them take a narrow 14–13 lead, the Cougars were outscored 41–19 over the next two periods and never recovered. A combination of poor shooting and turnovers stifled their chances of a comeback.
The Cougars managed just 22.4% from the field and an ice-cold 11.5% from three, despite getting 26 attempts from beyond the arc. Miliani Crosno led the team with 13 points and went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, while Alizah Lara added 9 points and 4 steals. Rachel Ply contributed 6 points and 7 rebounds in a solid all-around effort.
While the offense sputtered, Lassen maintained fight on defense. They forced 18 turnovers and collected 4 steals, and Rihana Fontenot provided a spark off the bench with 4 points and solid defensive pressure. However, Cosumnes River’s offense found a groove in the second half, pouring in 44 points after halftime.
Despite the loss, the Cougars battled to the final buzzer. Fatigue likely played a role after three games in three days, but the team’s resilience, particularly on defense and in rebounding, remained evident. With improvements in shot selection and execution, the lessons from this game could pay dividends as they head into conference play.