NAMPA, Idaho – The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team continued its early-season schedule Friday evening, falling to Northwest Nazarene 81-68 at Johnson Sports Center. The Pioneers battled throughout the contest, cutting into an early deficit before the Nighthawks pulled away in the fourth quarter.
Northwest Nazarene opened the game with a strong offensive effort, building an early advantage behind its inside scoring. East Bay responded with contributions from Sierra Morris, Gabby Wright and Savana Chase, while Hailey Estrada connected from beyond the arc late in the opening period. The Nighthawks held a 23-16 lead after the first quarter.
East Bay tightened its defense in the second quarter, limiting Northwest Nazarene to 13 points. The Pioneers received a three-pointer from Synise Byrd and a basket from Wright before Fernanda Alexandre connected from long range to cut into the deficit. Estrada added a layup and two free throws in the closing minutes as East Bay entered halftime trailing 36-30.
The Pioneers continued to battle in the third quarter, outscoring Northwest Nazarene 21-20 to trim the deficit to five points. East Bay entered the final period trailing 56-51, remaining within striking distance heading into the final 10 minutes.
Northwest Nazarene extended its advantage in the fourth quarter, outscoring East Bay 25-17 over the final 10 minutes to secure the 81-68 victory.
Aloha Akaka led East Bay offensively with 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including a three-pointer. She also contributed four steals and two assists.
Estrada followed with 11 points, four rebounds and a team-high five assists while adding two steals. Morris contributed 10 points and six rebounds, shooting 3-for-7 from the field and converting all four of her free-throw attempts.
Chase provided a strong all-around performance off the bench, finishing with seven points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Josline Martinez added six points, six rebounds and two assists, while Wright contributed six points and four rebounds.
Monroe Anderson collected seven rebounds and two steals, while Alexandre and Byrd each connected on a three-pointer.
As a team, East Bay shot 38.1 percent from the field, connecting on 24 of its 63 attempts. The Pioneers recorded 36 rebounds, 14 steals and 13 assists while scoring 30 points in the paint. Northwest Nazarene finished shooting 42.4 percent from the field and held a 38-36 advantage on the boards.
The Pioneers will return to action Saturday against Central Washington as they continue their early-season nonconference schedule.
