ROHNERT PARK -- The Sonoma State women's basketball team has not seen game action since Dec. 19, 2012, when they took down Dominican University. That put them on a two-game winning streak heading into the heart of the CCAA schedule. Sitting at 4-4, 2-2 CCAA, the Seawolves will be on road this weekend to take on rival schools Chico State (Jan. 4) and Cal State Stanislaus (Jan. 5).
BROADCAST INFORMATION: Links to live stats, as well as live video and audio for both games are provided below. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm for both nights.
SCOUTING CHICO STATE: In the last three seasons, the Wildcats of Chico State have started the season with records of 6-2, 7-1, and 5-3, and are 8-0 thus far this season, holding a No. 14 spot in the USA Today Coaches Poll. So far, in their unblemished season, the Wildcats have beaten the likes of Cal State Stanislaus (twice), Cal Poly Pomona, and Humboldt State. Chico State also came away with a win against then-No. 6 Western Washington, 75-74. As a team, Chico State is averaging 72.1 points per game (second in CCAA), led by junior guard Jazmine Miller (14.3 ppg) and junior forward McKenzie Dalthorp (11.8 ppg). The Wildcats are also dangerous from the free-throw line, leading the CCAA in free-throw percentage, hitting 75 percent of their attempts. Chico State holds a sizeable advantage with a 47-18 all-time series lead over Sonoma State, dating back to 1981. However, the two teams split the season series last season with each team winning on the road. Chico State has won the last ten games against the Seawolves in Acker Gymnasium, going back to the 2001-02 season.
SCOUTING CAL STATE STANISLAUS: The Warriors of Cal State Stanislaus have labored over their tough early season schedule, ending 2012 with a 1-8, 0-4 CCAA record. Cal State Stanislaus scheduled heavy hitters for early season play, taking losses against Chico State (twice), No. 17 Simon Fraser (twice) and No. 18 Grand Canyon. Their lone win came against Holy Names on Dec. 29, 2012 in a 68-61 game. Behind junior forward Lauren Godde's 17.3 points per game, the Warriors are averaging 59.8 ppg as a team. Cal State Stanislaus has hit 72 percent of their free-throws, edging out Cal State L.A. for second in the CCAA. CSU Stanislaus trails Sonoma State 42-26 in the all-time series record, including last season's sweep by the Seawolves.
ALYSA THE ASSIST-A: Senior guard
Alysa Ito has dished out a team-leading 39 assists in the first eight games of the season, including a career-high 12 in the Seawolves 76-49 victory over Dominican in their last game of 2012. Ito's 12 assists against Dominican is tied for second on the single-game assist record list with Angie Wells (had 12 on two occasions) and Tawny Bridge. Judy Anderson holds the record with 15 assists in one game, set back in 1984. Currently at 39 assists, Ito is on pace to top last year's mark of 64 assists, which led the team. Ito is currently second in the CCAA, averaging 4.9 assists per game, behind Courtney Hamilton's 5.4 assists per game.
SEAWOLVES' NOTES: Senior Gaurd
Taylor Vigil continues to play the best ball of her four year career at Sonoma State, leading the Seawolves with 10.4 points per game. Meanwhile, her 50.7 field goal percentage is good enough for fourth in the conference.
