ROHNERT PARK, Calif-  Michelle Gardner's put back at the buzzer was the difference on Sunday afternoon as Sonoma State edged Grand Canyon 55-53 in the finale of the 2008 Hampton Inn & Suites Basketball Classic.  The Seawolves snap a five-game losing skid as they improve to 4-5 on the season.  The Antelopes drop to 4-5 as well.

With the Seawolves inbounding with nine seconds left, freshman point guard Roxanne Rentschler drove up the right side and put up a shot that glanced off the glass and into the waiting arms of Gardner.  The sophomore center quickly popped it up and in as time expired to set off an enthusiastic celebration in front of the Sonoma bench.

The Seawolves would lead for most of the first half, before an 11-0 run by the 'Lopes handed them their first lead of the game at the 4:51 mark.  GCU would continue to press, turning it into a 17-2 run before Sonoma narrowed the gap to 33-31 at the break.

Trailing by one at 52-51 with 37 seconds left, Grand Canyon's Samantha Murphy was fouled and sent to the line for two.  Murphy connected on just one, to tie the game at 53, but give the Seawolves a chance for a last-shot opportunity. 

Sonoma advanced the ball to mid court, then called time out to set up a play with nine seconds left before Rentschler and Gardner teamed up with the game-winner.

Olivia Larkin led the Seawolves with 16 points and eight rebounds on the night.  Following the game, she, along with teammate Lauren Redfield, was named to the All-Tournament team.  Redfield finished with 13 points and five rebounds.

Sonoma State also got excellent play in the first half from its young freshman unit as Kristin Montanari and Aly Conway held their own in the middle against a more-experienced GCU line.  Gardner, just a sophomore, also played well, finishing with eight points and six rebounds in 14 minutes.

Samantha Murphy came off the bench to lead the 'Lopes with 16 points.  Tournament MVP Rosalyn Nelson followed up her huge game on Friday with a 10-point, 5-rebound, 4-assist performance.

After the holiday break, the Seawolves return on January 2nd when they host Cal State Monterey Bay.

Box Score


Chico State Edges Kentucky State, 59-55

The Wildcats got 15 points and six rebounds from Renee Goldoff to hold off a furious Kentucky State comeback in a 59-55 win.  Cortney Matthewis had 17 points for the Thorobrettes in defeat.

Box Score

Hampton Inn & Suites Classic All-Tournament Team
Rosalyn Nelson, Grand Canyon (MVP)
Olivia Larkin, Sonoma State
Lauren Redfield, Sonoma State
Christine Vest, Chico State
Renee Goldoff, Chico State
Cortney Matthewis, Kentucky State