Hatsushi, Mendoza move on

Sophomores Nancy Hatsushi and Liz Mendoza, both starters for the

Orange Coast College women’s basketball team that won its first state

championship last month, have decided where they will continue their

collegiate careers.

Hatsushi, the MVP of the state tournament and Coast’s all-time

leader in three-point field goals (154) along with three-point

accuracy 45%, will continue her academic and playing career at

Concordia University in Irvine. The Eagles play in Division I of the

NAIA in the Golden State Athletic Conference and finished 17-15 last

season.

Hatsushi, a point guard who starred at Costa Mesa High, averaged

10.3 points and 4.1 assists for her Coast career.

Mendoza has signed with Northeastern State University in

Tahlequah, Okla. The 5-foot-11 forward led the Pirates in scoring

this season, averaging 13.1 points to go with 5.5 rebounds en route

to All-Orange Empire Conference recognition.

Northeastern State is part of the Lone Star Conference in the NCAA

Division II ranks.

The Lady Reds won the conference last season with a 10-2 mark and

finished 24-7, advancing to the first round of the NCAA South Central

Region Playoffs.

-- by Bryce Alderton