The 2021-22 season got off to a rough start for new women's basketball head coach Alia Alvarez and the Porterville College Pirates as PC opened the season on Tuesday with a 69-42 defeat at De Anza College.

The Pirates got off to a fast start, jumping out to an 8-0 lead with four minutes to go in the first. But De Anza closed out the period with an 11-2 run to take an 11-10 advantage. The close contest continued in the second as the two teams were tied 18-18 with four minutes left before halftime. Once again, De Anza closed out the period with a run, outscoring PC 7-3 to go into the break with a 25-21 lead.

De Anza put the game out of reach in the third, outscoring Porterville by a 26-12 margin.

Freshman Mia Pengilly was impressive in her Porterville debut. She posted a double-double, leading the Pirates with 16 points and 18 rebounds. Freshman Kaija Ambriz also had a good game with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Alvarez and the Pirates get their next chance at win No. 1 on Thursday (Nov. 4) at 6 p.m. when they host Mt. San Jacinto in the 2021-22 home opener.