BAKERSFIELD, CA - In an intense Western State Conference matchup, the Bakersfield Renegades secured their first conference win of the season, defeating the Santa Monica Corsairs 58-50 at the Gil Bishop Sports Center. Bakersfield's dominance on the boards and stellar defensive play propelled them past the visitors in a hard-fought contest. Due to ongoing wildfires in Southern California, Santa Monica moved its originally scheduled home game for this weekend to play at Bakersfield Monday night. 

In the first half, the Renegades came out firing in the first quarter, jumping to a 20-11 lead thanks to hot shooting from point-guard Isabel Acevez, who drained two three-pointers in the period. However, the second quarter saw BC struggle offensively, managing just nine points. Bakersfield held a slim 29-27 lead heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, BC regained its rhythm, with Acevez continuing her stellar performance. She finished the game with 29 points, including five three-pointers, and added six rebounds. Freshman Jocelyn Pope was a force on the glass, pulling down 14 rebounds and chipping in 14 points for a double-double. The Renegades pushed their lead to 45-35 heading into the final quarter.

Santa Monica made a late push in the fourth but Bakersfield's defense held strong. The Renegades capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Corsairs 15-0 in that category, which proved decisive. 

Bakersfield's defense forced 30 Santa Monica turnovers, resulting in 23 points. Brooklyn Herron was also a key contributor for the Renegades as she finished the night with 10 rebounds and 3 points.

The Renegades (5-11, 1-1) will take this win as they prepare to host another conference opponent tomorrow night against Antelope Valley College. Tip-off is at 5:00pm.