Riverside, Calif. - The Golden Eagles women's basketball team opened the 2016-17 season with a 78-73 overtime victory, over Bethesda University. La Sierra opens the season 1-0 while dropping the Flames to 0-5 on the season.

Right off the tip, the Golden Eagles jumped out to an early lead and by the end of the first quarter had pushed out to a 23-8 lead. By the half time break, the Flames trimmed the lead to 35-25 in favor of La Sierra.

It was the Flames who came out of the locker room, cutting into the lead further and pulling to within two points, 51-49, by the end of the third quarter. Bethesda didn't stop there as they would eventually overtake the Golden Eagles and led by as many as five points with two minutes left in regulation.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, the two teams were tied at 65-65, and La Sierra went on to win the overtime period and game, for the victory.

It was a game that could be characterized as a half marathon to the free throw line, as both team combined to shoot 59 free throws (La Sierra – 33, Bethesda – 26). The two teams also combined for a total of 80 turnovers (La Sierra – 42, Bethesda – 38).

DeShields Fajardo led the Golden Eagles with 20 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field in addition to 9-of-12 from the free throw line. Fajardo also led the team with four assists and pitched in with seven rebounds.

Elsie Mejia shot 5-for-10 for a total of 14 points, while Rachel Hahn added 12 points and six rebounds. Alexis Davis tallied 10 points and seven rebounds on the night.

Mikayla Stitt led the team in rebounding with eight rebounds to go along with six points.

As a team, the Golden Eagles shot an efficient 6-of-12 from beyond the three-point line, and held the Flames to just 32% from the field.

The team will look to carry this momentum to their next game and their first road test at Biola University, on Saturday night. Biola is 1-1 on the season and recently defeated Bethesda 79-52 for their first win of the season. Saturday night tip is scheduled for 7pm.