By LIAM BELAN
MVI Sports
California Pa. faced plenty of adversity during Wednesday night’s matchup with an experienced Pitt Johnstown squad, so it made the Vulcans’ 89-86 overtime victory that much sweeter.
The Vulcans (13-4, 8-3) were without two starters in Jordan Smith and Allycia Harris, but Iyahnna Williams and Sierra Bermudez were handed their first starts of the season and stepped up to ensure that California battled and eventually beat a tough Pitt Johnstown (12-6, 7-5) squad.
“It’s huge for us. Every PSAC game is big for us now,” California head coach Jess Strom said about the close victory. “Today, we had some adversity with two starters not playing. We had our All-American center in foul trouble, she only played about half of the game, so I’m super proud of our young kids. We had two freshmen play most of the game against a really strong and veteran UPJ team.
“We have a lot of depth, but we’re lacking in experience. A lot of times tonight, I looked out on the floor, and there was hardly anyone that played last year. They’re really good players, but just lacking in experience. This is how they get that experience, and I thought that tonight was a bit of a glimpse of next year. I’m really proud of our effort tonight.”
California (15-2, 9-2) dominated the Mountain Cats in a home matchup Wednesday night. KJ McClurg and Jermaine Hall Jr. posted 25 and 24 points to lead the Vulcans while Zyan Collins added 10. In all, 10 players scored for California. For Pitt Johnstown, four scorers reached double digits in Andy Zuchelli (20), Gavin Headings (13), Vinnie Cugini (11) and Nick Watts (10). Up next, the Vulcans will take a trip Saturday to play at Mercyhurst.