CHICO, Calif. – The Sonoma State women's basketball team could not overcome a slow start in a 64-49 loss to Saint Martin's on Friday evening in Chico. 
 
The Saints jumped out early, leading 17-8 before Chasity Spady hit three free-throws to cut the deficit to six.  However, SMU ended the quarter with a basket to take a 23-14 lead into the second quarter.  Donnelli Allen opened the second with a basket but the margin quickly moved back to 11.  The Seawolves once again pulled within seven on a basket by Cielo Gonzalez but the Saints responded and led 38-26 at halftime.
 
Saint Martin's looked to be pulling away with the first six points of the third quarter to take their largest lead of the game at 18.  Sonoma State would not go away however, responding with 13 straight points to cut the deficit down to just five.  Spady and Trena Rathjen combined for all 13 points during the run with Spady scoring nine on her own.  SMU regrouped for the final two minutes, scoring the final six points of the quarter to head to the fourth with a 50-39 lead. 
 
The Seawolves pulled to single digits twice in the fourth but could not get any closer with the Saints securing the 15-point win. 
 
Spady led all players with a game high 14 points on the night while Rathjen added a career high 13 points and 7 rebounds.  Gonzalez finished with 7 points and Camille Johnson grabbed 6 rebounds.
 
Sonoma State is back in action tomorrow for the second day of the CCAA/GNAC Challenge with a game against Western Oregon.  Live video is available on the CCAA Network.