LOS ANGELES, CALIF.- Over the past three weeks Sonoma State Women's Basketball has been elevating their play to some of the best basketball in the CCAA. The hot streak continued with a dominant, road victory over the Golden Eagles of Cal State Los Angeles, a team that the Seawolves have been unable to beat in their last seven attempts. Behind another great defensive effort and efficient scoring outings from Sheriene Arikat and Alysa Lopez, the Seawolves are firmly in the hunt for a CCAA conference tournament berth!
The best way to take down a tough opponent in their gym is bring energy and intensity on the defensive end of the court. That is exactly what Sonoma State did for four quarters. Across the entire 40 minutes of play the Golden Eagles shot just 35% from the floor and 19% from three. In the entire fourth quarter Los Angeles would only convert three field goals. On top of limiting quality looks for their opponents the Seawolves forced 17 turnovers which led to 19 points. Four different players recorded multiple steals with Jayme Blackard swiping three. Along with their great defensive performance, the Seawolves also decisively won the rebounding with 43 boards compared to Los Angeles's 35. Five players secured at least five rebounds with Arikat and Abbey Hadsell grabbing eight apiece. Hadsell in particular was a force on the offensive glass with five offensive rebounds on her own.
When it came to putting the ball in the basket, Sonoma's leading scorer Alysa Lopez did what she does best. Her game high 18 points came on an efficient 53% shooting display from the floor as well as hitting 50% of her shots from behind the arc. Most impressively, she took outstanding care of the ball, only committing a single turnover in 23 minutes of playing time.
One of the biggest stories of the Seawolves' high level play has been the emergence of senior Sheriene Arikat. Arikat is one of the most versatile players Sonoma has given her ability to rebound, pass and score. For the game she scored 16 points, snagged eight rebounds, handed out three assists and came up with two steals. She has now reached double figures in scoring in three of her last four games and has had at least two assists in seven straight games.
The Seawolves wrap up a four game road trip with a strong 3-1 showing. They now return to the Wolves Den this Thursday for a home game against Cal State East Bay on February 6th. East Bay was able to hold off the Seawolves in a tightly contested game but now must face coach Des Abeyta's squad inside the confines of the Den! Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM!
