California, PA - Charleston opened its season on the road against California University of Pennsylvania, earning a hard-fought 73-67 victory to secure its first win of the season.
The Basics
- Location: Convocation Center
- Final Score: UC 73, Cal U 67
- Records: Charleston (1-0), California PA (0-1)
How it Happened
California opened the game with the first four points before Austin Taylor marked her return to the court by scoring Charleston's first points of the season. The Vulcans maintained the lead until midway through the first quarter, when Livia O'Dea knocked down a three-pointer to give the Golden Eagles their first lead. The two teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter, with Charleston trailing by two heading into the second.
The Golden Eagles came out strong in the second quarter. Austin Taylor and Jordan Scully combined for 11 unanswered points to give Charleston a nine-point advantage. A few minutes later, Paris Stokes extended the lead to double digits with a layup. However, California responded with a run of its own, cutting the deficit to five points by halftime. Charleston headed into the break with a 35-30 lead.
Harper Annarino opened the second half with back-to-back layups to extend Charleston's advantage. Both defenses then tightened up, resulting in nearly three minutes without a basket. Stokes finally broke the scoring drought with a fastbreak layup, followed by a three-pointer from Annarino off an assist from Taylor. The Vulcans responded with a strong stretch of their own, cutting Charleston's 14-point lead down to just three in a matter of minutes. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with the Golden Eagles carrying a five-point advantage into the fourth quarter.
Bridget Womber opened the final quarter with an and-one opportunity to push Charleston's lead to eight. California quickly fought back, using a free throw, an offensive rebound, a three-pointer, and additional points at the basket to tie the game at 58-58. The Golden Eagles responded immediately to regain the lead and never looked back. Taylor and Stokes led the way offensively, trading baskets to keep Charleston in front. With four minutes remaining, a jumper brought the Vulcans within two at 64-62, but they would get no closer. A jumper from O'Dea, followed by clutch free throws from Scully and Annarino, helped seal the 73-67 season-opening victory.
Harper Annarino led the Golden Eagles with a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds. Austin Taylor also finished with 17 points.
Up next:
Charleston will travel to take on Millersville on November 13 at 4:00 p.m.
