Kyle Bruderer, Sports Writer
The Utah Valley University women’s basketball team started a two game road trip in California by playing UC Davis and falling 10 points short with a final score of 59-49 putting the Wolverines at 3-3 overall. Freshman guard Mariah Seals led the way for the Wolverines with a career high 19 points.
“Seals was really good, she was very consistent and she shot the ball well. It was great to see a freshman step up in the game like that,” head coach Cathy Nixon said. “It was a tale of two halves, in the first half we lacked urgency, but in the second half we had a nice run and had some good chances. I was pleased that we bounced back but we need to learn that when we start games well we will have a better chance.
UC Davis started the game hot by going on an 8-2 run and extended their lead to 15 with about five minutes to go in the first half. UVU managed to cut the lead down to six with just a minute and a half left after Sophomore forward Rebecca Mawhinney connected from deep. The Aggies fought back opening their lead back up to 11 as Sydnee Fipps scored 7 of her 19 points in the final minute going into the break.
Seven minutes into the second half, UVU went on a 15-4 run shrinking the deficit to just four points, 47-43. The Wolverines played better defensively in the second half, holding the Aggies to just 30 percent shooting but 18 turnovers by UVU and the sharp shooting from Fipps were too much.
Karlee Norris tied a career high by grabbing 14 rebounds and Rhaiah Spooner-Knight finished with 12 points.
UVU will play their second and final game of the road trip at San Francisco on Saturday at 3 pm. MT.
