18th ranked Wayne State too much for Warriors in opener

TURLOCK — To open the season against a nationally ranked team is no small task for the Cal State Stanislaus women's basketball team. After hanging in for most of the first half, the Warriors eventually fell to No. 18 Wayne State, 72-49, at Fitzpatrick Arena Friday night.

The game was the season opener for both squads with the visiting Wildcats turning a tight game in the first half into a rout in the second half.

Despite a less-than ideal start to the year, two-time All-CCAA center Katie Busi managed to collect a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to lead Stanislaus. However, Busi, who is a career 40 percent shooter, was just 5-for-25 from the field before fouling out. Busi, though, contributed defensively as usual with four blocked shots and for steals.

All four returning starters for Wayne State scored in double digits as WSC was led by Mara Hjelle with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ashley Arlen had 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. The Wildcats won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and was a NCAA tournament team last season.

The Warriors hung close in the opening half until WSC took a 11-point lead 12 minutes in on an Arlen three-pointers. Stanislaus, though, rallied back and was witin three on a Jeanette Rowe three-pointer at 4:51 left to play until halftime.

Cal State Stanislaus, though, was a victim a poor shooting on opening night as the Warriors connected on just 29.5 percent of their shots in the first half before finishing with a 24.7 shooting percentage for the night.

Wayne State, of Nebraska, made almost 60 percent of its shots in the first half for a 37-29 intermission lead.

The Wildcats ussed a 14-3 run to blow the game open for a 23-point lead halfway through the second half. Wayne State also took advantage of its trips to the free throw line, nailing 14 of 19 tries. Stanislaus only made it to the line twice and converted just one.

A bright spot for Stanislaus is freshman forward Lauren Godde, who scored nine points in about 20 minutes of play hitting 4 of 8 shots including a crisp three-pointer. Godde is the only non-senior to start for the Warriors.

Rowe finished with eight points and Andreanna Marshall chipped in six.

Cal State Stanislaus will have another opportunity for a non-conference contest before taking on Chico State in the two CCAA travel-partner games during Thanksgiving Week. Stanislaus hosts Cal Maritime next Saturday at 6 p.m.