ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.- Sonoma State Women's Basketball got back in the win column with a come back, overtime victory over the visiting Lumberjacks of Cal Poly Humboldt. Behind a strong defensive effort and massive scoring outburst from the starting backcourt, the Seawolves snagged a much needed win in the competitive and tightly contested CCAA!
On the defensive side of the ball Sonoma held the Lumberjacks to under 40% shooting in three of the four quarters played and dominated in overtime. During the extra five minutes of play the Seawolves held their opponent to an ice cold 0-6 shooting display from the floor. When coach Des Abeyta made the decision to turn up the pressure by unleashing a full court press, the Lumberjacks offense struggled to respond. Overall the team forced 20 turnovers, swiped 13 steals, and scored 24 points of said turnovers. Six players recorded two steals and 10 players grabbed multiple rebounds with Eryn Gardner posted a team high eight boards.
Offensively, everything ran through the Seawolves starting backcourt featuring Alysa Lopez and Jayme Blackard. For the game the duo combined for 45 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Both were stellar at the free throw line thanks to a combined 17-18 shooting performance from the charity stripe. Lopez was the driving force of the offense early thanks to a quick eight points and remained steady throughout. She finished the night with 21 points on a variety of pull up jumpers, floaters and crafty finishes around the rim.
Blackard led the way with a game high 24 points on a highly efficient 50% shooting display. Similarly to Lopez, the Lumberjacks had no answer for her dribble penetration that resulted in multiple tough finishes. All in all, Sonoma dominated many of the key offensive metrics including 17 fast break points, 34 points in the paint, 15 second chance points and 24 points off turnovers.
It was a strong performance from a team that has weathered multiple injuries to key players. The Seawolves defense has kept them in many games but with the offense coming alive the Seawolves remain a dangerous team that will be back in action this Saturday against the visiting Wildcats of Chico State!
