BOX SCORE University of Mary 68, Sonoma State 65 -- Box Score

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. -- The Sonoma State women's basketball team opened up the 2012-13 regular season on Saturday afternoon at The Wolves' Den, and if the opener is any indication, the Seawolves look like they'll present a stiff test for opponents over the coming months.  Facing the University of Mary, a team that won 19 games and played in the NCAA Tournament a year ago, the Seawolves hung tough, falling 68-65 in front of an excited and energetic crowd.  The Seawolves fall to 0-1 on the young season while the Marauders improve to 2-1.

Following a quick jumper by Sonoma's Taylor Vigil just nine seconds into the game, the Marauders went on a 7-0 run to take control early in the first.  Though the Seawolves would stay close- and actually tie the score on a couple of occasions- Mary stayed in front the rest of the half and would go into the break with a five point lead, 36-31.

The Marauders would come out strong in the second, building their lead to eight at 41-33 before the Seawolves started chipping away.  With buckets by Marie Sweet and Travis Newman, plus a pair of free throws by Kristina Fahey and back-to-back layups by Elizabeth Day, the Seawolves went on an 11-2 run to tie the game at 44.

Sonoma State's first lead since 2-0 came shortly thereafter, as Fahey hit a three-pointer with just under 12:00 to go, to put Sonoma on top, 47-46.  However, the lead would be fairly short-lived, as the Marauders went on a 10-0 run of their own to go up 59-50 with 5:50 remaining.

Led by Fahey, Day, and Jamie Capoot, the Seawolves showed they had another comeback in them yet.  Again Sonoma battled back to take a lead, going up 64-63 when Fahey nailed a three-pointer to cap a 14-4 run and put her team in position to win the ballgame with two minutes to go.  Unfortunately for Sonoma, the Marauders had other plans. 

With the score tied at 65, the Seawolves got a big stop, forcing the Marauders into a turnover.  However, they would come up empty in two offensive attempts and when Ali Collins grabbed the defensive board, she was able to feed Kelsey Peltier for the go-ahead bucket with 28 seconds remaining.  A three-point attempt by Ito would rim out and Mary pushed the lead to three with a free throw. 

Sonoma State had an opportunity to tie the game at the end of regulation, but good defense by the Marauders resutled in a blocked shot by Shaunna Knife on a three-point attempt at the buzzer.

Knife was everywhere on Saturday night, turning in her third straight double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks.  Kaitlyn Haag was also a force, scoring 16 points.

Sonoma State got 13 points from Day and 12 from Fahey to lead a well-balanced offensive attack.  Sweet and Day each had eight rebounds and Ito was tops with five assists.

The Seawolves return to action on Tuesday when they travel to San Francisco State to open up CCAA play.  They'll host SF State four days later, on Saturday, at The Wolves' Den.