ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.- Sonoma State Women's Basketball put on a defensive masterclass against the visiting Pioneers of Cal State East Bay in front of a packed arena to secure their sixth win across their last seven contests. The team's defense was the star of the show alongside a season best 24 point outburst from Alysa Lopez. Winners of two straight games, the Seawolves are getting hot at the right time with the back half of the schedule now on deck.
Defensively coach Des Abeyta's squad simply controlled the entire game for 40 minutes. In four quarters of play Sonoma swiped 21 steals, blocked 12 shots, forced 28 turnovers and held the Pioneers to an ice cold 28% shooting display from the floor. Sonoma would go on to score 16 points of said turnovers and in the fourth quarter shot a blistering 69% from the field.
Individually, seven Seawolves recorded at least two steals with Sheriene Arikat leading the way with five. Arikat has given life to this roster with a well rounded game that sees her operate as a rebounder, passer, defender and scorer. For the game she posted six points, five steals, four rebounds and three assists. In short, she stuffed the statsheet.
The backcourt duo of Jayme Blackard and Jennifer Moreno were also dynamic defensively with each securing three steals while combining for 18 points. Moreno would hit back to back threes late in the game to all but end any hope for an East Bay comeback.
Eryn Gardner gave the Seawolves great minutes off the bench, especially with Abbey Hadsell suffering an injury early in the game. Gardner saw 31 minutes of playing time and was highly effective on the defensive end. She pulled down eight rebounds, blocked three shots, came up with two steals and handed out two assists. Gardner did a fantastic job limiting the effectiveness of East Bay's post players with the Pioneers starting center committing six turnovers and committing four fouls.
Lastly, Alysa Lopez's hot scoring stretch continued with a season high 24 points. Lopez scored at every single level knocking down three three point shots, getting to the rim and hitting 83% of her free throw attempts. The highlight of the night came via Lopez hitting a half-court shot as time expired heading into halftime. Said shot would officially put the Seawolves in front of the Pioneers 21-19. From that point on the team wouldn't relinquish the lead. Lopez has now reached 18 or more points in four consecutive games while shooting 52% from the field and 42% from three. Her offensive outburst has been huge in helping stabilize the Seawolves offense and keeping the team within striking distance even during some offensive cold spells.
The Seawolves now turn their attention to another home matchup against the Gators of San Francisco State. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 PM. Both the men's and women's programs will be welcoming local youth sports programs into the Wolves Den and offer autograph sessions as well!
