SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's basketball team outscored California (Pa.) in the second half, but ultimately suffered a 74-53 defeat to the Vulcans Saturday at Morrow Field House.
 
The setback moves The Rock to 1-10 overall, now having a 1-7 mark within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Vulcans upgraded to 11-4 overall and 6-3 in league play by grabbing their third win in four games.
 
Regan Atkins led Slippery Rock with a career-high 20 points, a season-high for the team as well. The top-scoring true freshman in the PSAC was accompanied by Endya Robinson, who recorded Slippery Rock's first double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
 
Emily Venick led SRU with three steals and a personal-best six assists. Anye Washington chipped in eight points while Kaylin Venick contributed seven points and two steals.
 
SRU fell behind early on, up against a 22-4 deficit to conclude the first quarter. Atkins and Deryn Moye both put tallies on the board before Cal ended the period on a 14-0 sprint.
 
After Robinson pulled down three rebounds in the first quarter, the junior compiled an additional five boards in the following 10 minutes. The Vulcans continued to shoot well, though, holding SRU to a single-digit total once more with a 23-8 second quarter. California shot 19-of-36 (.528) from the floor en route to mounting a 45-12 advantage at the half.
 
SRU opened the second half with two back-to-back buckets in the initial minute, courtesy of both Robinson and Kristina Donza. The Rock continued to fly offensively in the third quarter, making 8-of-13 (.615) from the floor.
 
Kaylin Venick capped off the third frame by making three free throws and knocking down two-straight jumpers all in the final 2:50. SRU's 21-20 advantage through the third quarter brought the deficit down to 65-33.
 
The Rock outscored the Vulcans again in the fourth quarter, 20-9, sparked on by Robinson claiming the first five points of the window. Washington then took her turn in the scoring column by scoring all eight of her points in the final 5:39.
 
Finishing the game on an 11-2 run including Atkins making SRU's only 3-pointer of the day, Slippery Rock managed to bring the final score down to a 21-point difference at 74-53.
 
Dejah Terrell led California with a season-high 30 points, making 14-of-20 (.700) from the hardwood. Sierra Bermudez made three of her five 3-point attempts to give Cal 14 points on the day.
 
Despite scoring just 29 points in the second half, California still wrapped up the day shooting 32-of-63 (.508) as opposed to SRU's 19-of-47 (.404). The Vulcans also shot the 3-ball better with a 6-of-20 (.300) effort over The Rock's 1-of-8 (.125) day from the arc.
 
Slippery Rock earned a slim advantage from the free throw line, going 14-of-22 (.636), while Cal made 4-of-7 (.571) from the stripe.
 
Slippery Rock will remain home in its first of three two-game homestands through PSAC West play, hosting Gannon University 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Morrow Field House. The Golden Knights were most recently ranked third nationally in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association poll.




To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on 'X' (formerly Twitter, @Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).