December 4, 2009
Box Score
SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team started its 2009-10 conference season strong, with a 58-44 victory over Cal State Stanislaus on Friday night at the Otter Sports Center.
“What a great way to open the CCAA season,” said head coach #Renee Jimenez#. “I thought once we got our first half jitters out, we really came out to play.”
“Our students and fans really were like having a 6th player on the court with us and their support got us through our rough patches.”
The Otters improve to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play while the Warriors drop to 1-2, 0-1 in CCAA action.
Junior guard #Michelle Santizo# led the Otters with 11 points with seniors #Helen Suarez# and #Veronica Williams# each chipping in nine points. Freshman #Holly Holcomb# pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Junior #London Houchin# and Williams each dished out four assists.
The Warriors jumped out 5-0 and maintained the lead until the four minute mark when Santizo made both of her free throws. Old-fashion three-point play put the Warriors back up but a breakaway layup by Heurung tied the game at 21-21.
A putback by Houchin and a steal by Williams to set up senior #Julie Heurung# for a layup gave the Otters a 25-21 lead.
Heurung connected on a jumper to close out the half, giving the Otters a 29-23 lead into the break.
CSUMB's first 11 points consisted of only three-pointers and free throws.
CSUMB opened the second half with a layup by Santizo, 31-23.
With less than six minute remaining, Williams connected on back-to-back three-pointers to raise CSUMB's lead to 51-36. A lay-up by Santizo gave the Otters their largest lead of the game, 53-36.
CSUMB went on to cruise to a 58-44 victory.
The Warriors were led by Katie Busi with a double-double, 17 points and 12 rebounds. Natalie Olveda added 12 points.
The Otters out-rebounded Stanislaus, 40-33 while recording a season-high eight three-pointers.
“Our transition game tonight really lit a spark under us,” Jimenez said. “We were able to turn up the intensity in the game and play our type of game, fast!”
CSUMB hosts Chico State on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
