SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's basketball team was defeated, 63-52, by Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division competitor California (Pa.) Saturday at Morrow Field House.
 
With the loss, Slippery Rock's record falls to 8-5 overall and 3-4 in league games while California improves to 9-4 overall and 5-2 in the PSAC.
 
SRU's efforts were led by Isabellah Middleton who tallied a game-high 17 points in addition to compiling four rebounds and two assists. Kennedy Middleton also ended the contest with her eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds to go along with two assists and one block.
 
Rounding out the leaders for SRU were Deleah Gibson (9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists), Jada Ward (6 rebounds, 5 points, 1 steal), Alyssa Gillin (4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block), Kelley McKnight (2 points, 3 rebounds) and Bella Long (2 points 1 rebound, 1 block).
 
The Rock and Vulcans traded baskets for the opening five minutes of the contest before California extended its lead to as many as 15 points (35-20) with 1:55 remaining in the second quarter. SRU used a 5-0 run to close out the first half and cut its deficit to 35-25 heading into halftime.
 
Coming out of the break, SRU and California continued to go back-and-forth with the Vulcans maintaining its lead through the duration of the quarter en route to a 52-37 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of competition.
 
Slippery Rock went on to narrowly outscore California 15-11 over the fourth quarter, however, SRU was unable to overcome the early deficit as the Vulcans secured a 63-52 win.
 
The Rock concluded the contest shooting 33.3 percent (18-of-54) from the floor, 21.4 percent (3-of-14) from long range and 86.7 percent (13-of-15) from the foul line. Despite the loss, Slippery Rock out-rebounded Cal 42-38.
 
As a team, the Vulcans shot 40.3 percent (27of-67) overall, 26.3 percent (5-of-19) from 3-point range and 44.4 percent (4-of-9) from the charity stripe. Cal forced SRU into 21 turnovers while making just 14 miscues of its own.
 
Ciaira Loyd led California with 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds and five steals. Raja Fink (15), Halle Herrington (15) and Allycia Harris (12) each ended the night in double figures for Cal as well.
 
Slippery Rock will begin a two-game road trip with a PSAC West matchup at Seton Hill University 5:30 p.m. Jan 11.








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