Fenty Is Superb, But SMC Women Lose:

Playing without star center Jasmine English, who is out for the season with a knee injury, Santa Monica College’s women’s basketball team faced a difficult challenge Saturday night.The opponent, Bakersfield College, had talent, size and depth.It was left to Corsair freshman point guard Quiana Fenty to get the ball up-court against pressure defense, initiate the offense and contribute some scoring. Displaying remarkable stamina, she did those things for almost the entire game.SMC lost, 100-78, but Fenty’s performance was memorable. She scored 18 points, twice making a three-point shot to spark a Corsair rally from an early deficit, then hit a two-pointer before the visitors were able to pull away again.SMC fell behind, 22-8, and the deficit was 48-30 at halftime. When it was 60-36 Fenty went on her spree, giving the Corairs some hope.In the end, the Renegades were too strong, and SMC Coach Lydia Strong was unhappy with the officiating. In fact, when the game ended and handshakes were exchanged, the two head coaches left the court together agreeing with their complaints about the officials.A lively crowd cheered SMC throughout the game. The gathering included the Lincoln Middle School Basketball team.