SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team opened its home slate with a 63–52 victory over Cal State San Marcos on Saturday afternoon at the Otter Sports Center, improving to 3–2 overall and 1–1 in CCAA play.
 
The Otters opened strong with a 21-point first quarter, knocking down four early three-pointers and forcing eight San Marcos turnovers to take control of the game.
 
CSUMB maintained its edge throughout the first half despite a second-quarter push from the Cougars, taking a 33–27 lead into the break. The Otters extended the margin in the third quarter by scoring in the paint and converting second-chance opportunities, eventually pushing the lead into double digits.
 
San Marcos made a late run in the fourth quarter, but the Otters responded at the free-throw line and held their defensive shape to close out the win. CSUMB finished with 19 made free throws and forced 24 Cougar turnovers, turning those mistakes into 19 points.
 
Jennifer Moreno Ortiz led CSUMB with 16 points, including four three-pointers. A'ajah Slocum added 10 points and three steals, while Cheyanne Whitfield contributed nine points and four rebounds. Riley Walls and Malaysia Lucero anchored the interior with a combined nine rebounds, and the Otters' bench supplied 17 points to support the effort.
 
The Otters will remain at home and face Cal-Maritime on Tuesday, Dec. 9, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.