On Nov. 9, Women’s basketball, in their home opener, fell to the Bowie State Bulldogs 53-60. The Vulcans move to 2-1—a tough loss considering the high expectations placed on them this year. California was slated to be #2 in the PSAC west this season in the coach’s preseason poll, right behind the Gannon Golden Knights. 

The game started slowly for both sides, with the Vulcans having only a few games under their belt, and Bowie State with their first regular season game. Neither side in the first quarter shot better than 35 percent as a team. For the second quarter, the former also holds. The difference between the two teams was the ability to get to the line. The Bulldogs shot a total of 27 foul shots, knocking down 22 (81.5%), and California shot 13-17 (76.5%). This disparity made any comeback for the Vulcans harder. In the fourth quarter, California outscored Bowie State by 11 but didn’t quite have the momentum to finish the game on top. 

Destiny Ryles, the leading scorer for the Bulldogs, scored 24 points and 7 rebounds and kept California on their heels by getting key players in foul trouble, getting to the line, and knocking 14 of those 16. Right behind was Mia Smith, who had 13 points and 3 rebounds. The top two contributors for Vulcans include Alicia Young and Allycia Harris, who had 17 points and 5 rebounds, 11 points and 16 rebounds, respectively. 

California hopes to quickly get over the early season jitters as they have two more matchups before conference play begins. The next two games are against Point Park, at home on Saturday, Nov. 16, and away on Monday, Nov. 18 at Fairmont State. For all up-to-date information on standings and broadcasting information, please visit calvulcans.com, or the PSAC Conference page, www.psacsports.org, and watch live on CUTVSPORTS1 with CUTV.