CHICO, Calif. – The Sonoma State women's basketball struggled from the field on Saturday afternoon, hitting just 25% of their shots in a 56-47 loss to Western Oregon.  The Seawolves moved to 1-3 on the season in non-conference play.
 
SSU started fast with a basket by Cielo Gonzalez and a 3-pointer from Trena Rathjen.  The Wolves responded with a seven-point run to take a four-point lead at the halfway point of the first.  Camille Johnson scored the next five points on a pair of free-throws and a triple as the Seawolves closed the first on a 9-1 spurt. 
 
The lead changed hands several times in the second with Sonoma State taking a 21-18 lead at the 2:25 mark after a three by Taylor Johnson.  Western Oregon would score the next five and take a 23-22 advantage into halftime.
 
Gonzalez and Rathjen opened the third with back-to-back baskets and Chasity Spady sank a triple to give the Seawolves their final lead at 29-27.  From there the Wolves took over, scoring the next ten to take their largest lead of the game.  The Seawolves twice pulled back within three in the fourth quarter, the last time on a jumper by Jayme Blackard with 2:36 remaining.  WOU scored the next seven points, five of which came at the charity stripe to seal the win. 
 
Gonzalez led the Seawolves with 10 points and three steals while Rathjen added 7 points and 7 rebounds. 
 
Sonoma State opens CCAA play on Tuesday when they head up to Arcata for a game against Cal Poly Humboldt.  Live steam is available on the CCAA Network.