Cal Poly Humboldt’s women’s basketball team demonstrated their defensive prowess with a commanding victory over Cal State Monterey Bay on December 3, 2023. The Lumberjacks secured a 62-49 win, improving their season record to 6-4 and remaining undefeated in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) at 4-0. The team showcased a dominant first half, leading 39-15 at the break, and maintained control throughout the game.
Humboldt’s defense was a key factor in their success, resulting in 19 steals and generating 27 points from turnovers. The team’s shooting was also impressive, hitting 46.7% from three-point range. Shade Satica led the Lumberjacks with 16 points, complemented by five rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Riley Sanz contributed 14 points, making all three of his attempts from beyond the arc, while Sienna Cherwinski added 10 points and played the entire game, showcasing her commitment.
Head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson praised her team’s performance, noting, “I thought the first half of the Monterey Bay game was one of the better halves we’ve played this year on both ends of the floor.” She highlighted the contributions of her guards and the overall balance of the offense. Satica, who currently leads the CCAA with 44 steals and ranks second nationally with an average of 4.4 steals per game, was instrumental in the defensive effort. Jordyn Smith, who recorded 10 rebounds and five blocks, is also a standout player, leading the CCAA in blocks with 29.
Bento-Jackson acknowledged the challenges faced during finals week, emphasizing the need for focus amid potential distractions. “This last trip was very challenging…but we were really locked in all week,” she stated. The Lumberjacks will return to Lumberjack Arena for upcoming home games against Cal State Dominguez Hills on January 2 at 5:30 p.m. and Cal State Los Angeles on January 4 at 1:00 p.m..
In contrast, the College of the Redwoods’ women’s basketball team encountered difficulties in their recent matchup against Consumnes River College, losing 74-44 on December 1, 2023. The team, now 6-7 for the season, struggled offensively, particularly from beyond the arc, where they made only 2 of 20 attempts.
Mia Hoogendoorn was the standout player for the Redwoods, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Head coach Bree Northern acknowledged her efforts but expressed disappointment in the overall shooting performance of the team, particularly noting the impact of turnovers during crucial moments. “We definitely didn’t have our best shooting the ball,” Northern said. “Even though it was not our best game, there were definitely some positives.”
Looking ahead, the Redwoods will host Southwestern Oregon on December 4 at 5:00 p.m.. Northern encouraged her players to enjoy their time with family during the break while also preparing mentally for the upcoming game. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset as they transition into conference play.
As both teams continue their seasons, the contrasting outcomes highlight the competitive nature of college basketball in the region.
