It has been quite a few weeks for GCC sophomore Patil Yaccoubian. After being named the WSC South sixth man of the year, Yaacoubian hit the game winning shot against Pasadena on March 2 and then came off the bench to score a game high 22 points as the women's basketball team beat Palomar College 69-60 March 9 in a Southern California Regional third-round playoff game that advances the Lady Vaqs to the state playoffs for the first time in school history.

 

"We knew what kind of team they were and we just tried to play our game and not their defensive pressure get to us,'' she said. "My role was to help the team as much as I could, trying to play with confidence and take advantage of the opportunities i had in the game. We are thrilled to continue our season and to play against the best teams in the state at the next level.''

 

Against the No. 6 ranked Comets, No, 3 ranked Glendale started fast and never trailed in the game leading 20-13 at the half in the first quarter and 33-27 at the half. Yaacoubian had a sold all-around game as she made eight of 18 shots including three of six 3-pointers and pulled down six rebounds and had three assists and three steals. Malia Ulery added 18 points and did not sub out in the game handling the ball the majority of the time for GCC against the Palomar pressure and also had seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one blocked shot. Paola Gorgeiz added 12 points and nine rebounds.

 

Now winners of 23 straight games with a 28-2 record, GCC will start the state playoffs Thursday March 14 with a schedule to be determined.