Cal women weather late rally for 62-56 win
Holly Tonini
California University of Pa.’s Emma Mahady (2) dribbles the ball around Indiana University of Pa.’s Amy Farman during Wednesday’s game in California.
California University of Pa.'s Alonzo Murphy (23) makes a pass around IUP's Marcel Souberbielle during Wednesday's game in California.
Cal U's Miki Glenn (21) looks ahead to find room to dribble around IUP's Talen Watson (1) during Wednesday's game in California.
Holly Tonini
California University of Pa.’s Drew Cook takes a shot as Indiana’s Mathis Keita (22) tries to stop him during Wednesday’s game in California.
California University of Pa.'s Shanice Clark (44) finds herself surrounded by IUP's Alexis Aiken (14), Melanie Todd (23) and Leslie Stapleton (12) during Wednesday's game in California.
California University of Pa.'s Tynell Fortune (11) tries to take a shot around IUP's Marcel Souberbielle during Wednesday's game in California.
CALIFORNIA — California University of Pa. split a basketball doubleheader with PSAC-West rival Indiana University of Pa. Wednesday night, with the women holding on for a 62-56 win and the men losing 85-47.
The Lady Vulcans (15-7, 9-4) only held a 25-15 lead at halftime, but were able to weather the visitors’ comeback by breaking a 52-52 tie with a 10-4 run to end the game.
With the win, Cal has won seven of its last eight games and is peaking at the right time.
“It’s a big win for us,” Cal coach Jess Strom said. “We did it with our defense in the first half and we shot the ball at a pretty good clip from three and at the free throw line. We had a big win on the road against Edinboro and we didn’t want a hangover game tonight. We are learning to win and coming together as a team.”
Kaitlynn Fratz scored a team-high 20 points, while Irina Kukolj added 13 and Emma Mahady finished with 11. Cal forced 21 turnovers with 11 steals and shot 20-of-25 (80 percent) at the foul line.
“It’s a game of runs and everyone knows that,’ Fratz said. “This is playoff time and we know we have to play a complete game. Our defense led the way late with some stops and quickly turning into our offense. We trust each other and we know that we have to communicate on defense against screens and picks.”
The Lady Hawks (15-7, 6-6) couldn’t avenge an earlier home loss to Cal, despite 20 points from Talen Watson. Leslie Stapleton (12) and Ashley Stoner (10) were also in double figures for IUP.
After Fratz hit a trey around the 16-minute mark of the second half to extend Cal’s lead to 34-26, IUP rallied back with a 12-2 run to take its first lead of the night.