Lady Vaqs host Cypress tonight, Thursday, in CCCAA championship tournament.

By Justin HAGER

The Glendale Community College Lady Vequeros basketball team are threepeat champions of the Western State Conference Southern Division and will host the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association championship tournament tonight, Thursday. The matchup will feature the No. 5 seed Vaqs hosting the No. 12 seed Cypress College Chargers at 7 p.m. in the Verdugo Gym in the new Vaquero Athletic Complex.

Associate Dean of Athletics Chris Cicuto encouraged fans to attend tonight’s matchup, noting that this year’s team is especially fun to watch.

“Their on-the-court grit, fast-paced play and passion for the game is an inspiration to any sports fan watching the game at Verdugo Gym or on our live stream,” he said.

The Lady Vaqs finished the regular season 19-5 overall and 10-2 in WSC South Conference play. Their most recent victory, on Feb. 19, was their 10th win in a row and earned Head Coach Joel Weiss his 100th career victory in just five years at GCC.

Cicuto emphasized, however, that after several difficult and unpredictable seasons caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s accomplishments feel different.

“Our women’s basketball program has continued to spark enthusiasm on our campus and in our serving communities,” he explained. “The ladies have overcome tremendous obstacles over the course of this pandemic and we are all so proud of their efforts and accomplishment of a third consecutive Western State championship and post season bid. We are looking forward to a great game.”

Tonight’s game will be live streamed on YouTube at GCC VAQ ATHLETICS or tickets are available for in-person attendance at the Verdugo Gym gate. Admission is $12 for general admissions and $8 for students, faculty, staff, senior citizens aged 60-plus, and children aged 12 and under. Masks are required at all indoor facilities at GCC.