RIVERSIDE - The Golden Eagles women's basketball team placed second in a closely contested Cal Pac Tournament Championship Game. La Sierra competed in a tough defeat against UC Merced Bobcats with a final score of 60-56.

From the onset, the Golden Eagles faced challenges but displayed resilience throughout the periods. Early in the game, UC Merced took a brief lead, but La Sierra quickly responded with a three-pointer by Breonna Martinez, giving them a temporary lead. Despite their efforts, including top scoring by Kaydn Mew with 15 points, UC Merced managed to maintain the upper hand for most of the game. Sonia Randall stood out for La Sierra by securing 10 rebounds and scoring 10 points, showcasing her crucial role in the team's dynamics.

The match saw its turning point during the third period when UC Merced further solidified their lead to a challenging 10 points. However, the Golden Eagles fought back with tenacity, highlighted by their tactical plays and strong defensive efforts from players like Alexis Gonzalez, who provided a noteworthy block during the second period. By halftime, the Bobcats led 35-32, and by the end of the third period, the score stood at 49-45 in favor of UC Merced.

Despite the standout performances and the combined efforts in rebounding and steals, which have been La Sierra's strengths throughout the season, the Golden Eagles could not overcome the Bobcats' lead in the final periods. UC Merced's Nicole Lukito played a significant role for her team, especially in the final seconds, securing their victory with crucial free throws. The game concluded with UC Merced securing a 60-56 victory.

La Sierra University Women's Basketball had an incredible season run, and the Golden Eagle community is proud of their resilience and efforts this season.

Photo provided from UC Merced