ATHERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team opened its season with a 60–54 road win against Menlo College Friday evening at Haynes-Prim Pavilion in the PacWest/CCAA Crossover Challenge.
 
The Otters overcame a 17–9 deficit after the opening period by settling in defensively and attacking the paint, outscoring Menlo 39-21 the next two quarters to take control.
 
Newcomer Riley Walls powered the effort with 17 points and nine rebounds, repeatedly creating second-chance opportunities with her activity on the glass.
 
She sparked the team's turnaround midway through the second quarter, scoring seven points during a momentum-swinging stretch that helped CSUMB erase Menlo's early lead.
 
Seniors Cheyanne Whitfield and Malaysia Lucero provided stability in the frontcourt, combining for 15 points and 12 rebounds while helping the Otters win crucial battles inside.
 
The Otter defense took over after the opening ten minutes. CSUMB forced 23 turnovers on the night, turning many of them into transition scores that shifted the tempo.
 
Senior A'ajah Slocum anchored the pressure with four steals and added seven points and eight rebounds, while sophomore Leah Sarabia chipped in seven points and three steals, including a pair of key takeaways in the second quarter that fueled the surge.
 
Despite Menlo's attempts to climb back in the fourth quarter, the Otters held firm at the free-throw line and continued to control the offensive glass, finishing with 17 offensive rebounds and 32 points in the paint.
 
The Otters will continue crossover play tomorrow against Jessup. The two teams will tip-off at 4 p.m.