CHICO, Calif. -- Despite leading for virtually the entire game, the Sonoma State women's basketball team saw their 2015-16 season start on a sour note as Holy Names came from behind to snatch a 52-50 win in the opener of the Coslet Classic in Chico. Clinging to a two-point lead with under ten seconds to go, the Seawolves saw the Hawks make a layup, then convert a put-back on a free throw with two seconds left to steal the win.
While the game was tied several times in the first several minutes, the Hawks never led in the first half as Sonoma built a six-point lead by the break. They led by as many as nine in the first half and eight in the second.
Late in the fourth quarter, Sonoma saw its lead shrink from six to two on back-to-back Holy Names layups. After trading baskets, the Hawks finally drew level, for the first time since the 7:52 mark of the first quarter, when Jeana Magana hit a three-pointer with 1:05 left.
Kayla Coloyan would convert a pair of free throws with :24 left and after a missed jumper by Tatiana Howard, the Seawolves had an opportunity to put the game nearly out of reach. However, a pair of missed free throws left the door open.
With nine seconds left, Garysha Youngblood was fouled while banking in a layup, tying the game. Though she missed the free throw, the rebound was gathered by Howard, who put back her own missed shot with two seconds left to give Holy Names their first lead of the game. Sonoma had a shot at the end, but an off-balance three-point attempt wasn't close.
In spite of the loss, the Seawolves got several strong performances, especially from a group of student-athletes making their SSU debuts.
Jerrica Crosby shared game-high honors with 14 points. She also led the Seawolves with seven rebounds. Fellow newcomers Coloyan and
Serena Santos had eight and five points, respectively.
Taylor Acosta went for nine points and a pair of steals before fouling out at the end.
A highlight of the night was a solid first half that saw the Seawolves shoot 46.2% (12-for-26) from the field. Unfortunately, they were able to connect on just 5 of 19 shots in the second half.
Tatiana Howard had 14 points and 16 rebounds in a fine performance to lead the Hawks.
The Seawolves will return to the hardwood on Saturday night when they take on Notre Dame de Namur.
