UC MERCED ATHLETICS - The early-season woes of the University of California, Merced women's basketball team seem to be a thing of the past, as the team cruised past La Sierra University by a score of 66-53 Thursday night to win their third game in their last four tries.

Courtney Danna led the way offensively for the Bobcats, scoring 16 points and adding three boards, two assists, and two steals. Jecenia Trinidadrecorded her second double-double in as many games, dropping ten points to go along with 11 rebounds. Allison Wisdom came off the bench to chip in 15 points and six rebounds, three steals and three assists.

In a game where neither team shot particularly well, the story for the Bobcats was their stifling defense. UC Merced forced the home team into a massive 28 turnovers in the win. In comparison, the Bobcats only committed half that number of giveaways.

The Bobcats actually entered halftime trailing the home team 34-32. The second half was a completely different story, as the team cranked up the defense and held La Sierra to just 19 points in the final 20 minutes. The game was put out of reach when UC Merced exploded for 23 fourth quarter points and ultimately put La Sierra away by 13.

While the shooting numbers weren't anything to write home about (34% from the floor), the final result certainly was. With the victory, UC Merced improves to 3-0 in Cal Pac Conference play, and holds onto sole possession of first place in the process.

The team returns home late tonight, enjoys Friday off, then hits the road again for another away game Saturday. The Bobcats won't have to worry about their conference record though, as the matchup pits them against NCAA DIII University of California, Santa Cruz. That one tips at 7:30 PM Saturday night in Santa Cruz.

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