Defense got the San Marcos girls basketball team back on the winning track in Channel League play Monday night against visiting Ventura.
The Royals’ tenacious defense flustered the Cougars in a 42-27 victory at the Thunderhut.
“I am very proud of the way the team stepped up and played tonight,” said coach Tiffany Simms. “We were down a few players but that didn’t stop us from playing disciplined but aggressive defense and running our offense effectively.”
San Marcos held Ventura to 12 points in the second half.
Ellie Monson led the Royals (4-3, 1-1 in league) with 16 points and Michelle Arellanes added 10.
San Marcos, which lost its Channel League opener to Oxnard and went 1-2 in a tournament last weekend, plays a tough St. Joseph team at home on Thursday in a non-league game.