SAN FRANCISCO – Coming out of the second media timeout in the second half the Gators offense came to life aided by a tenacious defensive effort.  Ultimately, the Gators were not able to get the elusive bucket to put them out top and fell 66-59 to visiting Sonoma State on Friday night in front of a record setting crowd.
 
Playing on a regionally televised game, the Gators (0-7/0-3 CCAA) had three players in double figures led by senior forward Leticia Galarza.  Galarza came out red hot scoring the first nine points for the Gators all on three point baskets.  She finished the night with a game-high and career-high 21 points, going 8-for-16 from the floor and 5-for-9 from behind the arc.
 
Joining Galarza in double figures was fellow senior Michelle Sutton who scored 15 points going 6-for-16 on the night.  Freshman forward Savannah Camp posted yet another double-double scoring 11 points and grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds.
 
In the opening half the Gators shot an impressive 40 percent from the floor going 10-for-25.  A layup by Sutton with 9:56 in the first gave the Gators their first lead of the game since the 14:41 mark.  From there the Seawolves (2-4/1-2 CCAA) took over going on a 19-9 run to close out the half. 
 
At the intermission the Seawolves held a 34-26 lead.  Pacing Sonoma State was Hannah Sourek who scored 10 of her 20 before the break.
 
After the Seawolves went on a 6-2 run to start the second half.  A well-timed media timeout proved to the spark.  At the 16:24 mark the Gators trailed 42-28, however a 13-2 run brought the Gators back to within a bucket of tying the game.  The charge was led by Jayzyl Tauala who scored all four of her points during that stretch while grabbing a several rebounds and a steal.
 
Sonoma State responded by calling a timeout and regrouping.  They eventually pulled away but never could put the Gators away, leading by as much as nine with 27 seconds remaining.
 
The Gators will not have to wait long for a rematch against their Bay Area rivals.  The Gators next game is in Rohnert Park on Sunday, Dec. 21 when the Gators travel to the Wolves Den to play Sonoma State.  The Game is slated for a noon tip off. 

Complete Box Score (HTML)

Post Game Video 

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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

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