ARCATA, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team rallied back from an early deficit but couldn't surpass Cal Poly Humboldt, eventually falling, 62–47, Thursday evening at Lumberjack Arena.
 
The game began in a challenging way for the Otters (13-13, 10-11 CCAA). CSUMB found themselves staring at a 19–0 deficit midway through the first quarter as Humboldt connected on nearly every look.
 
Jennifer Moreno Ortiz finally broke the ice with a jumper at the 5:28 mark, sparking a slow but steady climb back into the contest. The junior finished with nine points.
 
By the third quarter, the momentum had completely shifted. The Otters outscored the Lumberjacks, 18–14, in the period, punctuated by a clinical defensive effort and timely shooting from Ledjan Pahukoa (11 points, three 3-pointers).
 
CSUMB opened the fourth quarter with a layup by Cheyanne Whitfield that cut the lead to just 45–40 with 9:43 remaining.
 
At the center of the comeback was a career-best performance from Leah Sarabia. The Sophomore played 39 of the 40 minutes, leading the Otters in almost every statistical category.
 
Sarabia set a new career-high with 20 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the floor and hauled in 11 rebounds to secure the double-double.
 
After allowing 25 points in the first quarter, the Otter defense clamped down, holding Humboldt to just six points in the second and 14 in the third.
 
CSUMB forced 17 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, refusing to let the Lumberjacks pull away until the final minutes of the game. Four different Otters recorded two or more steals with freshman Riley Walls leading the way with a career-best three thefts.
 
The Otters will close out the regular season on Saturday at Chico State. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.