February 19, 2010

Box Score

SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team made program history tonight, clinching its first ever California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) tournament berth tonight. The Otters recorded their 16 win of the season with a 53-43 victory over Cal State East Bay at the Otter Sports Center.

Senior guard #Helen Suarez# led the Otters with 16 points, three assists and three steals.  Junior center #Julie Heurung# pulled down a career-high 16 boards along with seven points. Senior forward #Veronica Williams# posted 12 points and seven rebounds.

After four ties to begin the game, CSUMB took a strong lead with six minute remaining of the first half on a layup by freshman #Holly Holcomb#, 23-16.  The Pioneers battled back to close the gap to 25-22 at the halftime break.

CSUMB extended its lead in the 11th minute on Suarez's layup to make it 41-31. The Pioneers rallied back with a 7-0 run to make it 41-38 with 6:41 on the clock.

A three-pointer by Williams at 3:12 gave the Otters their cushion back, 49-41.  

The Otters connected on their four of their final six free throws to clinch the 50-43 victory.

CSUMB won the battle of the boards with a 48-31 advantage.

The Pioneers were led by Claudia Nelson with 19 points.


CSUMB hosts No. 11 UC San Diego on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. Prior to the game, the Otters will honor their three seniors; #Veronica Williams#, #Lindsay Trout# and #Helen Suarez#.