Box Score LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Pioneer women's basketball team fell victim to a Cal State L.A. second half rally, resulting in a 53-38 defeat to the Golden Eagles on Friday night.

The defeat leaves the Pioneers with a 1-3 CCAA record. East Bay is 3-5 for the season. Cal State L.A. improves to 3-2 in CCAA play and 8-4 for the season.

The Pioneers shot only 24.5 percent from the field (12-49) and were 0-for-9 from the three-point area.

“We could not score,” Pioneer Head Coach Suzy Barcomb said.  “Obviously we are rusty offensively.”  We missed some easy baskets early that might have given us some confidence.”

The Golden Eagles jumped out to a 27-19 advantage with 12:52 remaining in the game. Rachel Finnegan hit a jumper with 10:11 left, as the Pioneers went on an 8-0 run to tie the game.

Led by leading scorer Tessondra Williams, Lacey Gibbons and Kelli Lewis, the Golden Eagles won the game with a 26-11 run in the final 10 minutes of the second half.

“We lost Gibbons on 2 deep 3-pointers and then allowed Williams the lane and that basically decided the outcome,” Barcomb said.  “Give them credit for carrying their team.”

East Bay took a 4-2 lead with 15:42 in the first half on a jumper by Brianna Terrance.

A 7-0 run enabled the Golden Eagles to grab a 9-4 advantage with 9:56 remaining.  The Pioneers held the Golden Eagles without a basket, and took a 12-11 lead with 3:52 left on a pair of Lauren Lucchesi free throws.

Alyssa Hansen converted a pair of layups the following minute as the Golden Eagles regained the lead, 15-12. Micah Walker a hit a free throw with 29 seconds as the Pioneers trailed 15-13 at halftime.  The Pioneers played outstanding defense in the first half, holding the Golden Eagles to a 22.2 shooting percentage from the field.

“We worked incredibly hard on the defensive end of the floor,” Barcomb said.  “Our offensive struggles are putting a great deal of pressure on our defense but until we find our rhythm we must defend on every single possession as though it were our last.”

Tori Breshers led the Pioneers in scoring with eight points. Sarah Finlay, Finnegan and Terrance followed Breshers with six points each.  Finlay and Walker each had six rebounds to lead the Pioneers on the boards.

Cal State L.A. was led in scoring by Williams who led all scorers with 17 points. Williams had 13 points in the second half.  Gibbons and Lewis scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Pioneers will travel to Cal State Dominguez Hills for a January 5th game, scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.