Friday, Nov. 30
vs. San Francisco State (2-2, 1-1 CCAA)
The Swamp | San Francisco
5:30 p.m.
Live stats

Saturday, Dec. 1 
vs. Sonoma State (1-2, 1-1 CCAA)
The Wolves Den | Rohnert Park
5:30 p.m.
Live stats | Live video


HAYWARD, Calif. - The Pioneer women's basketball team will open CCAA play on the road this week.  On November 30, the Pioneers will face San Francisco State to begin CCAA action. On December 1, the Pioneers will take on Sonoma State. Both games will begin at 5:30 p.m.  The Pioneers swept the Gators in a CCAA two-game series last year. Cal State East Bay and Sonoma State split a two-game series last season.

The Pioneers enter CCAA play with a 2-2 record. After four games, the Pioneers are averaging 66 points, while allowing 55.5 points a game. East Bay, which has outrebounded its opponents in three out of four games, is averaging 46.5 rebounds a game. The Pioneers have allowed their opponents to shoot only 28.6 from the field and 21.5 percent from the three point area.

“We've played well in spurts in our pre-season,” Head Coach Suzy Barcomb said.  “We didn't make the progress I would have liked as a team and what we are trying to accomplish this season.  “We unfortunately were held back by a variety of issues, including some major injuries and I hope we have worked through some of these problem areas.”  

Micah Walker is the Pioneers leading scorer with a 14 point per game average. Walker has converted 22 of 25 free throws. Lauren Lucchesi  is averaging  13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. Tori Breshers has come off the bench in all four games to average 9.8 points and 5.8 rebounds a contest. Rachel Finnegan continues to lead the Pioneers on the boards with 8.5 rebounds a game.

Following an appearance in the CCAA Women's Basketball Championships in their first year of eligibility, the 2012-13 Pioneer women's basketball team is working hard to be competitive in conference play.

“We must practice with a great deal more effort, competitive drive and an attitude that shows leadership and ownership,” Barcomb said.  “Melding 14 people and getting roles established, strengths and weaknesses determined and skill level improved upon is a work in progress throughout the season.”  “The more we play together, the more chances we have of becoming a complete team that can do many things well.  Our attitude, commitment and effort must match our goals, day in and day out.  Game experience will help us grow as a team.”

San Francisco State is 1-1 in CCAA play and 2-2 for the season. The Gators split two games with Sonoma State to open CCAA action last week. San Francisco State has four players averaging in double figures. Nicole Hicks leads the Gators in scoring with a 16.3 point per game average.  Angela Van Sickel averaging 15 points a game. Farrah Shokoor and Michaela Booker are averaging 11.7 and 11.5 points a game respectively. Shokoor is averaging a team-best eight rebounds a game.                                 

“The Gators return their starting five from last year and have a solid group of new athletes,” Barcomb said.  “It's all about handling their pressure and playing with composure.”  “Finding out what works against them and trying to exploit any advantages we may have.  Four players on their roster average in double-digits and are very capable scorers. They are on their home floor and have two CCAA games under their belts. Without question we have our hands full.”

Sonoma State stands at 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the CCAA.  The Seawolves are averaging 65.3 points a game while shooting 78.7 percent from the free throw line.  Sonoma State is led in scoring by CCAA Player of the Week Taylor Vigil averaging 13.3 points a game. Elizabeth Day is netting 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds a contest.

“Sonoma is very deep and can play a variety of line-ups,” Barcomb said.  “They have bigger guards who can post up or shoot the 3-ball.”  “They have shooters who can get hot and put up some big numbers.  Sonoma has the benefit of playing at home and has already played two CCAA games.”

Following the two road games, the Pioneers will return home on December 8 to take on defending CCAA Tournament Champion Cal State Monterey Bay.