Carpinteria’s girls basketball team closed out the Viewpoint Tournament with a 41-37 decision over Malibu on Saturday, edging the Sharks behind Amanda Burch’s 18 points.
“We won with heart and courage today,” said Warriors head coach Dan Mercer, whose team improves to 4-2 overall after a 2-2 showing at the tournament.
Caitlin Wallace posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Shelby Dunlap collected eight rebounds and Mercer called Sierra Freeman’s game the best she’s ever had.
“Just across the board she helped us in every category,” Mercer said.
Freeman scored four points, including a layup with three seconds left that sealed the game for Carpinteria.
Malibu, behind All-Tri-Valley League player Danielle Bush, cut a six-point deficit to one point in the fourth quarter to put the pressure on. Burch made a free throw to put Carpinteria up by two points. The Warriors’ defense then forced a turnover that led to Freeman’s layup.
Mercer was pleased with his team’s defense throughout, which held Bush to a tournament-low 13 points.
CARPINTERIA 41, MALIBU 37
MALIBU – Robinson 6, M. Vazelakis, Bush 13, Zontelli 6, Katz 4. Totals – 12, 1-1, 41
CARPINTERIA – Deleon 2, Wallace 13, Dunlap 2, Burch 18, Cullins 2 , Freeman 4. Totals – 14 10-16
Malibu 11 9 6 11 – 37
Carpinteria 10 12 10 9 – 41
3-ptrs – M 4 ( Bush 3, Vazelakus) 1 (Wallace). Total Fouls – M 9, C 5.
