2001-02 Archive

UCR Dream Season Comes To An End Against UOP, 64-47
(March 8, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the University of the Pacific, 64-47 in the semifinals of the Big West Tournament at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA on Friday afternoon. The Highlanders fell to 16-13 on the season while the Tigers improved to 19-10.

Following the tournament, UCR senior forward Julie Shaw was named to the All-Tournament team.

In the second half, the Tigers opened the second half with a 7-2 run, on two buckets by Andrea Nederostek and a three-pointer by Selena Ho, to extend their lead to 40-31. The UOP lead was 44-37 when they broke the game open with an 11-0 run, going up 55-37 with 10:21 left to play. The Tigers held UCR scoreless for 5:38 during the run until Stephanie Hughes hit two free throws and Rachel Johnson hit a lay-up to get within 55-41 but Riverside could not mount another run.

The Tiger lead grew to as much as 20 at 64-44 with 4:16 left in the game. Starr Knight hit a jumper to make it 64-46 but a Casandra Reeves free throw was the only point scored in the final 4:16 of the game.

The Highlanders shot 7-of-24 (29.2%) in the second half, their second worst shooting half of the year. Riverside shot 19-of-54 (35.2%) for the game and 0-of-6 from long range. Pacific shot 25-of-64 (39.1%) but hit 7-of-20 (35.0%) from behind the arc. UCR hit 9-of-14 (64.3%) from the free throw line while UOP hit 7-of-10 (70%).

UCR once again had trouble on the boards, being out-rebounded 48-31. UOP had 19 offensive boards and 29 defensive while Riverside had nine offensive and 22 defensive boards.

Shaw led the Highlanders with 13 points and nine rebounds. Hughes had nine points and seven rebounds.

Nancy Dinges led the Tigers with 19 points and 10 boards. Gillian d'Hondt added 15 points and nine rebounds.

In the first half, the Highlanders were up 5-4 in the early going after a Shaw bucket but the Tigers used an 8-0 run to take a 12-7 lead with 12:39 left in the half. UOP extended the lead to 28-17 with 4:17 in the half but UCR used an 8-0 run, four by Amy Houchens, to get within three at 28-25 with 2:03 to go. The teams traded baskets to end the half with Pacific leading 33-29.

Highlanders Earn First Tourney Win Over Irvine, 63-53
(March 6, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders used a balance attack to defeat UC Irvine, 65-53, picking up their first-ever win in the Big West Conference tournament at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday afternoon. The Highlanders improved to 16-12 on the season while the Anteaters fell to 8-20.

In the second half, the Highlanders used an 8-3 run with 13:56 remaining to extend their lead to a game-high 15 points. However, the Anteaters hit three straight treys during an 11-2 run to get within six at 44-38. Senior guard Amy Houchens hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding for Riverside and put the lead back at nine.

Irvine got to within three at 50-47 after a three-point play by Cindy Oparah with 6:52 left to play. The Anteaters were still within three at 54-51 with 2:49 left in the second half but Riverside scored nine of the last 11 points of the game with two huge baskets coming from sophomore wing player Crystal Harris.

UCR shot 24-of-50 (48.0%) including 4-of-7 (57.1%) from beyond the arc while UCI shot 20-of-58 (34.5%) and 6-of-24 (25.0%) from long range. Riverside forced 21 Irvine turnovers while committing 18 miscues. The Highlanders were also out-rebounded 36 to 33 but had the edge at the free throw line, hitting 11-of-16 (68.8%) to 7-of-10 (70.0%) for the Anteaters.

Harris led the Highlanders with 18 points and six rebounds while Houchens had 16 points, five rebounds and three steals. Senior forward Julie Shaw added 15 points and nine rebounds.

Oparah had her Big-West leading 13th double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Brandy Hudson added nine points and six rebounds.

In the first half, the Anteaters opened the scoring on a lay-up by Kristen Green but the Highlanders answered with a 7-2 run capped by a three-pointer by Casandra Reeves to take an early 7-4 lead. Oparah hit a jumper but UCR went on a 12-2 run, four each by Houchens and Shaw, to extend their lead to 19-6 with 9:10 left in the first half.

Irvine chipped away at the lead getting to within six at 21-15 but Riverside answered with eight straight points, four by Harris, to take a 29-15 lead with 2:14 left in the first half. However, the Anteaters were not done as they scored the final six points, four Hudson free throws and a three-pointer by Lisa Faulkner, to cut the lead to 29-21 at the half.

The Highlanders move on to the semifinals to play the University of the Pacific Tigers on Friday with a time to be determined.

Young Named Big West Coach Of The Year, Houchens Selected First Team and Reeves Named To Freshman Team
(March 3, 2002) - The 2001-02 Big West Women's Basketball Team was announced on Monday, and headlining the group was UC Riverside's Head Coach Jennifer Young as she was named Coach of the Year by her peers.

Young is in her fifth season at UC Riverside and guided the Highlanders to a 15-12 record overall and 12-4 mark in the Big West, the first year as a member. UCR started the season 0-6 but won 15 of its next 21 games, including 12 of 13 in the middle of the season.

Senior guard Amy Houchens was selected first team All-Big West, leading the team in scoring at 15.4 points per game, assists at 2.8 per game, and steals at 3.4 per game.

Freshman guard Casandra Reeves was named to the all-freshman team, averaging 8.2 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game and 2.7 assists per game.

Sophomore Crystal Harris, senior Julie Shaw and Reeves were honorable mention All-Big West.

Gauchos Use Rebounding Edge To Defeat Highlanders, 82-59
(March 2, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the well-balanced UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, 82-59 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Saturday night. With the loss, the Highlanders fell to 15-12 overall and 12-4 in the Big West Conference while the Gauchos improved to 22-5 overall and 16-0 in conference.

Despite the loss, the Highlanders finished the season tied for second with the University of Pacific Tigers. Riverside won the coin toss and will be the #2 seed at the Big West Tournament, facing UC Irvine in the 2:30 PM game on Wednesday.

The Gauchos used their significant height advantage and out-rebounded the Highlanders 27-10 in the second half, on their way to cruising past Riverside. Sa nta Barbara opened the half with an 18-7 run to open up a 19 point advantage and lead 52-33 with 15:02 to play.

Riverside would only get to within 16 points at 63-47 with 8:25 to go after a made free throw by Julie Shaw. The Gauchos eventually extended the lead to 24 at 77-53 with 3:39 to go in the game.

UCR shot 21-of-58 (36.2%) including 2-of-10 (20.0%) from long range, while the Gauchos shot 29-of-55 (52.7%) including 9-of-18 (50.0%) from behing the arc. Although, the Highlanders caused 19 turnovers while committing 11 miscues of their own.

Julie Shaw led the Highlanders with her first double-double of the season, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 boards. Amy Houchens had 12 points while Crystal Harris added 11 points and five rebounds.

Kristen Mann led the Gauchos with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 11 boards. Lindsey Taylor had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jess Hansen and Mia Fisher added 13 each.

In the first half, the Highlanders jumped out to 12-7 lead, eight by Harris with 14:46 left in the first half. However, the Gauchos used a 17-6 run to take a 24-18 lead with 6:15 to play in the first half. Riverside got to within one at 26-25 with 3:23 to go after a three-pointer by Casandra Reeves but Santa Barbara scored eight of the final nine points to take a 34-26 lead into the half.

Riverside shot 11-of-29 (37.9 %) from the field while Santa Barbara shot 15-of-31 (48.4%). The Highlanders were also out-rebounded 22-16 in the half.

UCR Sweeps Season Series With Cal Poly, 73-68
(February 28, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the Cal Poly Mustangs, 73-68 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Thursday night. With the win, the Highlanders improved to 15-11 overall and 12-3 in the Big West Conference, securing at least a tie for second place in the conference. The Mustangs fell to 10-16 overall and 6-9 in conference.

In the second half, the Highlanders looked to be in cruise control, extending their lead to 16 points to lead 48-32 with 17:12 remaining. However, the Mustangs had other ideas, using a 25-4 run to take a 57-52 lead with 9:21 left to play. Odessa Jenkins and Paige Billingsley each scored eight during the run.

Cal Poly still led 62-57 with 4:03 remaining, but Riverside outscored them 16-6 to end the game. Amy Houchens scored 12 of the final 16 points for the Highlanders, including 10-of-10 from the free throw line. Julie Shaw scored the other four points, but none bigger than her three-point play with 1:35 to go, giving UCR a 66-65 lead that they would not relinquish.

UCR shot 23-of-66 (34.8%), but only 3-of-19 (15.8%) from long range. Cal Poly shot 26-of-63 (41.3%), including 7-of-14 (50.0%) from behind the arc. The big edge for Riverside was at the free throw line, hitting 24-of-30 (80.0%) to only 9-of-14 (64.3%) for the Mustangs. The Highlanders also out-rebounded Cal Poly 47-41, and caused 17 turnovers while committing 13 miscues.

Houchens led the Highlanders with 21 points and seven steals. Stephanie Hughes added a double-double with season highs of 17 points and 11 boards. Crystal Harris had 12 points while Julie Shaw had nine points and 10 rebounds.

Jenkins led the Mustangs with 14 points while Billingsley added 13 points, including three treys. Kari Duperron had 11 points.

In the first half, the Highlanders opened with a 7-4 lead but the Mustangs used balanced, with four players hitting buckets, scoring 11 straight to take a 15-10 lead with 14:08 left in the half. Riverside answered with a 9-0 run, taking a 21-15 lead with 9:20 to go. UCR extended their lead to 39-26 at the half.

UCR shot 15-of-35 (42.9%) and 2-of-9 (22.2%) from long range in the first half while the Mustangs shot 10-of-31 (32.3%) and 1-of-3 (33.3%) from beyond the arc.

UCR Falls In Rematch Against UOP, 78-60
(February 24,2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the University of the Pacific Tigers, 78-60 on Sunday afternoon at the Spanos Center in Stockton, CA. With the loss, the Highlanders fell to 14-11 overall and 11-3 in the Big West Conference while the Tigers improved to 16-10 overall and 11-4 in conference.

The Tigers opened the second half with a 8-0 run to extend to a 43-25 lead and remained in control throughout the second half. The Highlanders chipped away to get within 45-35 with 13:23 left to play but that was as close as they would get.

The Highlanders shot 21-of-62 (33.9%) and were 0-of-4 from long range, the first time this season that they did not hit a three-pointer. The Tigers shot 28-of-50 (56%) and 10-of-21 (47.6%) from trey land. UCR hit 18-of-22 (81.8%) from the free throw line and UOP hit 12-of-20 (60.0%).

Riverside was out-rebounded 44-26 and 23-9 in the second half alone but won the turnover battle 23 to 9.

Amy Houchens had only 15 points on 7-of-18 shooting after scoring 24 in the first game against the Tigers. Julie Shaw had 14 points and five rebounds. Crystal Harris had 14 points on 4-of-15 and Stephanie Hughes had ten points.

Nancy Dinges led the Tigers with 22 points on 7-of-14, including 6-of-13 from three-point range. Selena Ho added 16 points and nine assists and Gillian d'Hondt had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

In the first half, the Tigers had a 12-8 lead but scored six unanswered on a three-point play by Gillian d'Hondt and a trey by Selena Ho to take an 18-8 lead with 12:38 remaining in the half.

UOP extended the lead to as much as 16 in the half after a three by Dinges, going up 33-17 with 2:12 to go. UCR cut the lead to ten with an 8-2 run to end the half. The Highlanders shot only 9-of-31 (29.0%) in the half.

Highlanders Survive Matadors, 63-61
(February 22,2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders survived a 9-1 run by Cal State Northridge to end the game and held on for a 63-61 victory at the Matadome in Northridge, CA on Friday night. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 14-10 overall and 11-2 in the Big West while the Matadors fall to 2-22 overall and 2-12 in the Big West.

The Highlanders were up 62-52 with 5:03 remaining but Northridge went on a 9-0 run, capped by a Denise Cadenas three-pointer to get within 62-61. Stephanie Hughes was fouled and hit one of two free throws to extend the lead to 63-61. The Matadors missed three shots in the final 53 seconds that would have given them the lead or the tie. Monique Hernandez missed the final one, a 15-foot jumper that fell short.

The Matadors hit 11-of-27 (40.7%) three-pointers including nine in the second half while UCR hit 8-of-18 (44.4%). Overall CSN outshot UCR 24-of-55 (43.6%) to 26-of-61 (42.6%). The Matadors also out-rebounded the Highlanders 36-31. Riverside forced 20 Northridge turnovers, while only committing 13 miscues.

In the first half, the Highlanders jumped out to a 9-2 lead on a jumper by Crystal Harris with 15:21 left in the first half. The lead built to as much as 12 on a lay-up by Julie Shaw at 32-30 with 2:30 remaining in the half. The Matadors got to within eight but Amy Houchens hit a trey with one second in the half to put UCR up 35-24.

Houchens led the Highlanders with 14 points, including four three-pointers and six rebounds. Harris and Shaw each had 12 points.

Sha'Tasha Allen led the Matadors with 14 points. Monica Hernandez added 13 points (3-of-5 from three-point range) and 10 assists. Denise Cardenas had 12 (4-of-8 from long range).

Weber Sweeps Season Series, 69-60
(February 19, 2002) - In a rematch of the first game of the season, the UC Riverside Highlanders still fell to the Weber State Wildcats, 69-60 on Tuesday night at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA. With the win, the Highlanders fall to 13-10 overall while the Wildcats improve to 18-8 overall.

Riverside tied the game at 35-all with 15:05 left in the game after a three-pointer by Amy Houchens and the game was still tied at 37 after two free throws by the Wildcats' Crystal Howe and a lay-up by Highlander Crystal Harris. However, UCR would not get any closer as Weber eventually pulled away, icing the game on 8-of-10 free throws down the stretch.

Harris led the Highlanders with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. Houchens was the only other Highlander in double figures with 11.

Julie Gjertsen led the Wildcats with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting including three treys. Stephanie Stranger had 15 while Howe added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Weber State finished the game with 23-of-52 (44.2%) shooting from the field, including 10-of-22 from three-point range. UCR finished 22-of-51 (43.1%) from the field but only 4-of-13 from behind the arc. The Highlanders were out-rebounded 35-27 but won the turnover battle 14-11.

In the first half, the Wildcats took a 20-13 lead after a 10-2 run on back-to-back three-pointers by Gjertsen and Jamie Peterson and two jumpers by Ali Johnson, with 8:56 left in the first half.

The Highlanders answered with a 8-0 run of their own to take a 21-20 lead with 5:44 left in the half and still led 25-23 with 1:29 left but Weber State scored the final five points of the half on a three and two free throws by Kristen Clyder-Gardner.

The difference in the first half was from behind the arc, as the Wildcats hit 5-of-9 to only 1-of-5 for the Highlanders.

Highlanders Defeat Idaho, 58-45
(February 17, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the University of Idaho Vandals, 58-45 on Sunday afternoon at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 13-9 overall and 10-2 in conference while the Vandals fall to 10-15 overall and 4-10 in conference.

The UC Riverside Highlanders stepped up the defense in the second half, limiting the Vandals to 20 points and 8-of-23 (34.8%) shooting including 1-of-7 (14.3%) from behind the arc.

The Highlanders opened the second half with an 8-3 run to take a lead of 31-30 just 2:36 into the half. Riverside still led 37-36 with 9:56 left in the game but they used a 21-9 run to take command of the game at the end.

Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including five assists. Julie Shaw added 11 points and three rebounds.

Darci Pemberton led the Vandals with 17 points and seven rebounds. Julie Wynstra added eight points and six boards.

In the first half, the Highlanders were down 25-16 with 2:22 left in the half but Shaw hit a bucket, Casandra Reeves nailed a trey, and Houchens stole the ball and went in for a lay-up as Riverside cut the lead to 25-23 at the half.

The Vandals made 10-of-24 (41.7%) to 10-of-26 (38.5%) for the Highlanders but the difference was behind the arc, with Idaho hitting 5-of-13 to only 2-of-6 for UCR.

Highlanders Fall To Gauchos, 76-51
(February 15, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders scored their fewest points of the year and fell to the first place UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, 76-51 at the Thunderdome in Santa Barbara, CA. With the loss, the Highlanders fall to 12-9 overall and 9-2 in conference while the Gauchos improve to 17-5 overall and 11-0 in conference.

The Gauchos used a 13-0 run early in the second half, six by 6'8" Lindsey Taylor, to blow open the game and take a 51-30 advantage with 12:23 left in the game. Santa Barbara cruised the rest of the way as Riverside had no answer for the inside play of the Gauchos. UCR was outrebounded 48-27.

The Gauchos shot 32-of-56 (57.1%) while holding the Highlanders to 17-of-61 (27.9%), their lowest percentage of the season.

Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 14 points and three rebounds. Stephanie Hughes and Casandra Reeves added eight points each.

Jess Hansen led the Gauchos with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including four treys. Kayte Christensen had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting and seven rebounds. Taylor added 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting and five boards.

In the first half, the Highlanders took an early 10-5 lead as the Gauchos turned the ball over six times in the first seven minutes of the game. However, Santa Barbara settled down and outscored Riverside 12-0 to take a 19-12 lead with 8:49 remaining in the half.

UCR chipped away at the Gaucho lead, getting to within 24-23 with 3:32 left in the half but Santa Barbara closed with an 11-3 run to end the half and take a 35-26 lead.

The Gauchos had a huge advantage on the boards in the first half, 26-9 as the Highlander leading rebounder Starr Knight picked up her third foul with 10:33 left in the half. Santa Barbara shot 15-of-20 (50%) but only 2-of-10 from behind the arc and held the Highlanders to 8-of-24 (33.3%) with four baskets from 3-point range.

Highlanders Cruise To Easy Win Over CSUF, 72-48
(February 10, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders cruised to an easy win over Cal State Fullerton, 72-48 on Sunday afternoon at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 12-8 overall and 9-1 in the Big West Conference, while the Titans fall to 3-19 overall and 1-10 in conference.

Riverside used a 10-0 run with 10:57 left in the game to extend the lead from 45-30 to 55-30 with 10:57 remaining in the game to blow away the Titans with their biggest margin of victory since defeating UC Irvine by 30 points on January 5th.

The Highlanders had 10 of their 13 players get into the scoring column and seven scored five or more points. Crystal Harris led the way with 13 points while Stephanie Hughes and Amy Houchens added 10 each.

Heather Hansen was the only Titan in double figures with 16 points while also grabbing six rebounds.

UCR forced Fullerton into 30 turnovers and held Titan leading scorer Tricia Lamb scoreless on 0-of-4 shooting with two turnovers in 21 minutes of play. The Highlanders also out-rebounded the Titans 35-30 as Houchens grabbed a game-high eight boards.

The Titans shot 16-of-40 (40%) as the Highlanders allowed only 48 points, the lowest total since allowing Cal Baptist 43 points on December 19th. The Highlanders finished the game 24-of-59 (40.7%) and 18-of-24 (75%) from the free throw line.

The Highlanders came out firing on all cylinders to begin the game, hitting seven of their first eight shots to take an opening 14-4 lead. Riverside took their biggest lead at 18-4 with 12:39 remaining with Harris doing most of the damage, scoring eight of her 10 first half points during the run.

UCR cooled off the rest of the half, hitting only 8-of-22, however Fullerton had their own shooting troubles and could only get within 10. The Titans shot 8-of-21 (38.1%) and had 16 first half turnovers.

UCR Suffers First Conference Loss Against LBSU, 63-54
(February 3, 2002) - The Long Beach State 49ers scored the final 12 points of the game to defeat the UC Riverside Highlanders, 63-54 on Sunday afternoon at the Pyramid in Long Beach, CA. The Highlanders suffered their first Big West defeat wo fall to 11-8 overall and 8-1 in conference. The 49ers improve to 11-9 overall and 7-3 in conference.

Crystal Harris had six points during a Highlander 10-2 run to open the second half and take a 45-41 lead with 14:58 left in the game. Riverside still maintained a 54-51 lead with 4:59 left in the game, but the Highlanders would not score again after a Stephanie Hughes free throw.

Riverside struggled shooting the ball, hitting 21-of-69 (30.4%) and scored only 19 second half points. The Highlanders had their worst shooting performance since their game against Nevada, when they shot 29 percent. The 49ers hit 24-of-46 (52.2%), including 8-of-17 from behind the arc.

UCR was able to stay in the game due to 38 Long Beach turnovers while the Highlanders had 18. Riverside was also out-rebounded 44-31.

Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 19 points, four rebounds and three steals. Harris added 16 points and five rebounds. Hughes had 11 points.

Ramsey led the 49ers with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Tamara Inoue added 17 points and eight assists.

In the first half, Long Beach and Riverside exchanged the lead on ten occasions, however UCR took a 33-31 advantage with 3:20 left in the half after a Houchens three-pointer. The 49ers answered with an 8-0 run, taking a 39-33 lead, but Houchens hit two free throws with 30 seconds left to cut the lead to 39-35 at the half.

The 49er lead was mostly on the strength of Tamara Inoue who scored 11 straight points for the 49ers during an 11-4 run, including three consecutive treys. She finished the half with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

Riverside struggled shooting the ball, hitting 14-of-32 (43.8%) while Long Beach shot 15-of-26 (57.7%), including 7-of-9 from behind the arc. However the 49ers were plagued by turnovers, committing 18 in the half.

Shaw Hits Buzzer Beater, Defeating UCI 71-69
(February 1, 2002) - Senior forward Julie Shaw hit a lay-up at the buzzer to give the Highlanders a 71-69 win over UC Irvine on Friday night at the Bren Center in Irvine, CA. The Highlanders won their eighth consecutive Big West game to remain atop the Big West standing and improve to 11-7 overall and 8-0 in conference. The Anteaters fell to 6-14 overall and 3-6 in conference.

The Highlanders were down 69-63 after a Cindy Oparah lay-up with 32 seconds left but Houchens put on a show hitting back to back three-pointers to tie the game at 69 a piece. The Anteaters came out of a timeout but Houchens disrupted their offense and stole the ball with 5 seconds left. Houchens drove for a shot and hit Shaw going to the basket for the final layup at the buzzer.

The Anteaters continued their solid shooting, finishing 26-of-52 (50%), including 9-of-19 from behind the arc. UCR hit 29-of-69 (49.2%) with 4-of-8 from behind the arc. Riverside was out-rebounded 35-26.

Crystal Harris led the Highlanders with 19 points. Amy Houchens had 17 points and four steals. Julie Shaw added 15 points.

Cindy Oparah led the Anteaters with 19 points. Kristen Green had 18 and Wendy Gabbe added 17 points.

In the first half, the Highlanders took an early 4-0 lead but Kristen Green came out blazing, scoring 12 of the first 17 points for the Anteaters as they took a 17-12 lead.

Irvine was up 21-18 and went on an 8-0 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 29-18 with 10:30 left in the first half. Riverside answered back with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 29-25 with 7:06 remaining.

UCR kept chipping away, getting to within 33-31 after a Jules Smith layup, but UCI used another 7-2 run to pull ahead 40-33, however Smith hit a three at the buzzer to cut the lead to 40-36 at the half.

The Anteaters were hot in the first half, shooting 15-of-26 (57.7%) including 4-of-9 from behind the arc (44.4%). The Highlanders were 15-of-33 (45.5%) but only 1-of-3 (33.3%) from three-point range.

UCR Wins Tough Game Over Northridge, 71-68
(January 26, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders struggled to win their seventh consecutive Big West game and remain atop the conference standings, defeating Cal State Northridge 71-68 on Saturday night at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 10-7 overall and 6-0 in conference while the Matadors fall to 1-16 overall and 1-6 in conference.

The Highlanders were down 65-64 with 2:30 remaining in the game when Amy Houchens hit a huge three with the shot clock winding down to give Riverside a 67-65 lead with 1:58 left. UCR played solid defense as Houchens knocked the ball out of bounds. Northridge took a timeout and did not realize the time on the shot clock and turned the ball over on the shot clock violation.

Stephanie Hughes hit a tough lay-up inside to push the lead to 69-65. However, the Matadors were not done as Sha'Tasha Allen hit a free throw and Jenny Shetters hit a jumper to pull within 69-68. Casandra Reeves was fouled on the inbounds pass and sank two free throws. The Matadors had one last chance but Kisha Shepherd missed her three-point attempt at the buzzer as the Highlanders survived.

The Highlanders shot 26-of-54 (48.1%) while holding the Matadors to 25-of-61 (41.0%). The rebounding battle was even at 34 a piece.

Crystal Harris led the Highlanders with 15 points. Houchens and Hughes added 13 points each. Julie Shaw had 11 points and six rebounds.

Shetters led Northridge with 16 points while Allen added 15 points. Shepherd had 12 points.

In the first half, the Highlanders and Matadors traded baskets, with four lead changes in the half. Riverside had their biggest lead of the game at 37-31 with 15 seconds remaining after five consecutive points by Holly Peterson on two free throws and a three-pointer. However, Monica Hernandez countered with a three at the end of the half to make the score 37-34.

UCR Holds On To First, Defeating UOP 79-65
(January 24, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the University of the Pacific, 79-65 in a battle for first place in the Big West Conference on Thursday night at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 9-7 overall and 6-0 in conference while the Tigers fall to 9-7 overall and 4-1 in conference.

The Highlanders used a 13-3 run to take a 79-63 advantage with 1:30 remaining in the game after the Tigers went on a 26-8 run to get within 66-57 at the eight-minute mark. However UOP could not get any closer as Starr Knight sealed the win for UCR down the stretch, scoring nine of the final 13 points of the game for the Highlanders.

Riverside hit 32-of-59 (54.2%), hitting 8-of-17 (47.1%) from behind the arc while holding Pacific to 25-of-59 (42.4%) and 9-of-25 (36%) from three-point range. UOP out-rebounded the Highlanders 37-28 but had more turnovers, 19-13.

Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 24 points, all in the first half. She also had five assists and eight steals. Crystal Harris added 16 points and four assists. Julie Shaw had 13 points and eight rebounds.

Selena Po, fifth in the Big West in scoring, led the Tigers with 21 points but the Highlanders held her to only six points in the first half on 2-of-6 shooting. Gillian d'Hondt added a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Nancy Dinges had 11 points.

The first half began with Pacific on fire, making their first six baskets but Riverside was equally as hot and UOP gained only a three-point advantage at 12-9.

Eventually UOP went cold but the Highlanders kept firing away, using a 24-5 run to gain a 48-28 lead with 3:56 remaining in the first half. Houchens was hitting from all over the court, making 9-of-12 shots including 4-of-7 from behind the arc.

Houchens hit a jumper at the end of the half and the Highlanders took a 52-31 lead, their highest scoring half of the year. Riverside shot 21-of-36, good for 58.3% in the half. They also forced 12 Tiger turnovers while only turning the ball over five times.

UCR Defeats Idaho, 56-53
(January 21, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders overcame a ten-point deficit in the second half to win their fifth consecutive Big West game and remain atop the conference standings, defeating Idaho 56-53 on Monday night at the Cowan Spectrum in Moscow, ID. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 8-7 overall and 5-0 in conference while the Vandals fall to 7-12 overall and 1-7 in conference.

Starr Knight hit two free throws with 18.3 seconds left to put the Highlanders up 56-53 and Jen Schooler missed a three-point attempt while Stephanie Hughes got the rebound to preserve the win.

Idaho took their biggest lead of the game at 45-35 lead with 9:53 left in the game, but UCR answered with a 16-1 run to take their first lead of the game and go up 51-47 with 1:53 left in the game. Darci Pemberton hit a three-pointer to make it 51-50 with 1:10 to go, but Stephanie Hughes put the Highlanders up 53-50 with two free throws. Pemberton again hit a three to tie the game at 53 and Amy Houchens missed a three-pointer but Casandra Reeves was fouled and hit one free throw to make it 54-53.

Pemberton missed a three-point attempt with 20 seconds left and Starr Knight rebounded and was fouled, making the free throws to seal the game.

Houchens and Hughes each had 14 points to lead the Highlanders. Julie Shaw added 10 points. Meg LebLanc led the Vandals with 13 points.

Riverside shot 22-of-49 (45%) but were plagued by 23 turnovers, their second highest total on the season. Idaho shot 20-of-55 (36%) and had 18 turnovers.

In the first half, the Vandals went on a 6-0 run to take a 16-7 lead with 13:23 remaining in the half. Houchens answered back for the Highlanders with her own 7-0 run, on a three-pointer and two jumpers, to cut the lead to 17-16 with 9:30 left.

The score was 26-25 with 1:08 remaining, but Wynstra had a three point play and hit a five foot jumper to put the Vandals ahead 31-25 at the half.

The Highlanders shot better than the Vandals at 46% (11-of-24) to 45% (13-of-29) but Idaho had five more shots due to 13 Riverside turnovers while Idaho had eight.

UCR Defeats Fullerton, 81-67
(January 15, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their fourth consecutive Big West game to remain on top of the conference standings, defeating Cal State Fullerton 81-67 on Tuesday night at Titan Gym in Fullerton, CA. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 7-7 overall and 4-0 in conference while the Titans fall to 2-13 overall and 0-4 in conference.

Riverside opened the second half with a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 55-39 with 16:10 left in the game and never looked back. Starr Knight had six points during the run, including four free throws. The Titans cut the lead to ten at 59-49 with11:33 left in the game but could not get any closer as the Highlanders coasted to the win.

Crystal Harris led the five Highlanders in double-figures with a season-high 16 points while also adding eight rebounds. Stephanie Hughes added a season-high 14 points. Amy Houchens also had 14 while Knight added 12 points. Julie Shaw had 11 points.

Senior Tricia Lamb single-handedly kept the Titans in the game, scoring a career-high 27 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 6 three-pointers. Heather Hansen added 11 points.

The Highlanders shot 30-of-61 (49.2%) while the Titans shot 23-of-56 (41.1%). Fullerton had 13 turnovers to only five for Riverside.

In the first half, the Titans jumped out to an early 8-4 lead but the Highlanders answered with a 20-8 run with 7:32 remaining in the half to go ahead 26-16, gaining their biggest lead of the helf. Hughes had half of the Highlanders 20 points during the run.

Fullerton and Riverside traded mini runs but the Highlanders ended the half with two free throws by Crystal Harris and a bucket at the buzzer by Julie Shaw, taking the lead to 43-35 at the half.

Stephanie Hughes matched her season-high with 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half alone. Lamb kept the Titans in the game with 16 points, including 3 three-pointers, in the first half.

UCR Defeats Cal Poly, 70-50
(January 11, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their third consecutive Big West game by defeating Cal Poly 70-50 on Friday night at Mott Gym in San Luis Obispo. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 6-7 overall and 3-0 in conference while the Mustangs fall to 5-8 overall and 2-1 in conference.

In the second half, the Highlanders took a 48-46 advantage with 5:18 left and turned the game into a blowout with an impressive 21-2 run to go up 69-48 with 55 seconds left in the game. Crystal Harris led the Highlanders with eight during the run.

The Highlanders held the Mustangs to 17-of-58 shooting (29%) and 4-of-23 (17%) from behind the arc. Leading scorer, Odessa Jenkins was held to nine points on 2-of-15 from the field. UCR shot 22-of-52 (42%) and 3-of-10 (30%) from behind the arc.

The Highlanders had five players in double figures led by Casandra Reeves, Julie Shaw and Harris with 14 each.

In the first half, the Mustangs opened the game with a bucket by Katie Patterson but the Highlanders answered with a 7-0 run with 15:53 remaining in the half. Cal Poly and UCR traded a few baskets, but both teams were plagued by missed shots for much of the middle portion of the half.

However, the Highlanders got it going again with another 7-0 run highlighted by a Reeves' three-pointer to extend the lead to 18-7 with 7:57 remaining in the half. The half ended with the Highlanders ahead 26-17.

The story of the first half was missed shots as UCR shot 10-of-27 (37%) but Cal Poly was worse, shooting 4-of-24 (17%).

UCR Defeats Irvine, 77-47
(January 5, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their second consecutive Big West match-up over UC Irvine, 77-47 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Thursday night. With the win, the Highlanders improve to 5-7 overall and 2-0 in conference while the Anteaters fall to 4-9 overall and 1-1 in conference.

The Highlanders opened the second half on a 9-4 run to take a commanding 46-28 lead but the Anteaters battled back to make a run. Irvine went on a 7-0 run to get within 11 at 46-35 with 12:54 remaining but would not get any closer as Riverside cruised the rest of the way after answering back with a 7-0 run of their own.

UCR shot a season best 53.6% on 30-of-56 shooting while also holding UCI to 35.1% on 20-of-57 shooting. The Highlanders finished the game with nine three pointers to only three for the Anteaters.

Senior Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 18 points and five assists. Crystal Harris and Casandra Reeves each added 12 points.

Cindy Oparah tried to keep the Anteaters in the game, scoring a game-high 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds. However, no other Irvine player scored in double figures. Kristen Green added eight points.

In the first half, the Anteaters jumped out to a quick lead on a three-pointer by Kristen Green and a lay-up by Cindy Oparah to take a 5-0 lead 5-0 lead just 1:27 into the game. The Highlanders answered back with a 17-2 run capped by a Crystal Harris bucket with 10:07 remaining in the first half.

Riverside and Irvine traded buckets for most of the rest of the half but the Highlanders ended on a good note with a Holly Peterson three-pointer to take their biggest lead of the half at 37-24.

The story of the first half was the hot three-point shooting of the Highlanders, hitting 7-of-11 (63.6%). Houchens hit 3-of-7 while Reeves and Peterson hit 2-of-2 each.

UCR Defeats Long Beach For First Big West Win, 89-78
(January 3, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their first ever Big West game over Long Beach State, 89-78 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Thursday night.

The Highlanders improve to 4-7 overall and 1-0 in conference while Long Beach falls to 4-7 overall and 0-1 in conference.

The 49ers got to within two at 78-76 with 1:21 remaining after Ekuah Ramsey hit four free throws and Crystal Givens hit a layup. Tamara Inoue fouled Amy Houchens who hit two free throws. Starr Knight stole the ball and Houchens went in for a layup to take a 80-76 lead with 51 seconds. The rest of the game was fouls and free throws as the Highlanders hit 9-of-10 down the stretch to seal the win.

The game was a track meet as both teams were on target from the field but also had a lot of turnovers. The Highlanders tied their season high in shooting by hitting 31-of-61 (50.8%) while the 49ers shot 33-of-68 (48.5%) however they had 25 turnovers while Riverside had 19.

Casandra Reeves led the Highlanders in scoring with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting including 5-of-8 from behind the arc. Houchens had 18 points, seven assists and seven steals. Starr Knight had eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds including several key ones.

Ramsey led the 49ers with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Glory Johnson had 16 points and six rebounds. Lauren Bull had 15 points, all three-pointers.

In the first half, freshman Reeves put on a clinic, scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting including 3-of-5 from behind the arc. The Highlanders jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead before the 49ers called timeout and put their first two points on the board with a layup by Ekuah Ramsey. However, UCR quickly regained the momentum and took a 12-4 lead with 16:52 remaining in the first half.

Lauren Bull hit a three-pointer to get Long Beach within three at 14-11 with 13:32 remaining but never got closer. Riverside ended the half, matching their biggest lead at 46-38 after a lay=up by Amy Houchens.

UCR Falls To Gonzaga, 75-64
(December 31, 2001) - The UC Riverside Highlanders had their three game winning streak snapped at the hands of Gonzaga University, 75-64 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Monday afternoon.

The Highlanders led 58-57 after a lay-up by Crystal Harris with 8:22 remaining in the game but Gonzaga's Raeanna Jewell hit back to back three-pointers and never relinquished the lead, finishing with a 18-6 run.

The Bulldogs hit 14 three-pointers in 29 attempts for a 48.3% shooting clip in the game while the Highlanders hit 5-of-16 (31.3%).

Julie Shaw led the Highlanders with a season-high 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Amy Houchens added 16 points and four assists.

Shannon Matthews led all scorers with 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting including six three-pointers. Jewell added 19 points and nine rebounds.

The Bulldogs (7-5) led 34-32 at the half, but were up 29-20 with 6:29 remaining in the half. The Highlanders used a 12-3 run to tie the score at 32-32 but Shannon Matthews hit a two-pointer with 42 seconds left in the half to give Gonzaga the lead. Gonzaga made 8-of-17 (47.1%) three-point attempts to only 2-of-6 (33.3%) for UCR.

UCR Defeats Sac State For Third Straight Win
(December 28, 2001) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their third game in a row by defeating Sacramento State, 66-54 at Hornet Gym in Sacramento, CA on Friday night.

The Highlanders (3-6) led 30-20 at the half and scored the first 12 points of the second half, taking their biggest lead at 42-20 with 15:25 to play. The Hornets (0-10) chipped away at the deficit but could not get closer than 11.

Freshman Casandra Reeves led the Highlanders with 13 points while sophomore Crystal Harris added 10. Senior Stephanie Hughes added eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

UCR shot 24-of-68 (35.3%) from the field and attempted 15 more shots than the Hornets, grabbing 49 boards to only 38 for the Sac State.

In the first half, the Hornets missed their first seven shots of the game and trailed 8-1 with 14:43 remaining. The Highlanders never looked back extending their lead to 18-6 at the 9:48 mark.

Houchens Named Big West Player of the Week
(December 23, 2001) - UC Riverside senior guard Amy Houchens was selected as the big West Player of the Week. Houchens scored 21 points against Southern Utah and 20 points against Cal Baptist in leading the Highlanders to their first two victories of the season. Houchens shot 53% from the floor for the week and 33% from three-point range. She also averaged 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 6.0 steals in the two games.

UCR Defeats CBU To Win Battle Of Riverside, 75-43
(December 19, 2001) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their second game in a row by defeating Cal Baptist University, 75-43 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Monday night.

The Highlanders (2-6) opened the second half with a 12-0 run to blow open the game. UCR had three players in double figures with Amy Houchens leading the team with 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting and seven steals. Rachel Johnson added 16 points and seven steals and Crystal Harris had 11 points.

UCR shot 31-of-61 (51%) while CBU shot 14-of-36 (39%). The Highlanders also caused 29 turnovers.

Angela Romagnoli led the Lancers (5-7) with 14 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Adena Scruggs added nine points on perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range.

In the first half, the Highlanders gained control of the game with a 14-2 run over 4:58 to take the lead from 21-15 to 35-17, finishing the half with a 40-20 lead. Senior Rachel Johnson did most of the damage with 11 points including two 3-pointers. UCR shot 15-of-29 (52%) from the field and held the Lancers to 8-of-18 (44%). The Highlanders also caused 15 turnovers while only having six of their own.

UCR Defeats Southern Utah, 82-67
(December 17, 2001) - Freshman Casandra Reeves led the Highlanders with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting with five three-pointers and five rebounds as UCR ended their season opening six game losing streak by defeating Southern Utah University, 82-67 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA on Monday night.

The Thunderbirds (2-7) made a run at the Highlanders, getting to 53-47 after a three-point play by Sarah Hutton with 11:38 remaining in the game. UCR answered back with a 7-0 run to take the lead to 60-49, as SUU never got closer than nine.

The Highlanders (1-6) shot 24-of-53 (45.3%) for the game while the Thunderbirds shot 20-of-60 (33.3%).

UCR had four other players in double figures as Amy Houchens added 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting and five steals. Stephanie Hughes had 12 points and eight rebounds while Starr Knight and Crystal Harris had 10 points each.

At halftime, UCR led 36-27, shooting 12-of-29 (41.4 %) while SUU shot 7-of-24 (29.2%). The Highlanders gained control with a 9-0 run with 5:42 remaining in the half to take their biggest lead, 27-13. Southern Utah kept the first half close by converting 11-of-12 free throws.

Senior Amy Houchens broke her third school record of the year, earning the career record for games started with 88 games started over her four year campaign. Houchens also owns the steals and minutes played records, breaking them earlier this season.

UCR Loses To Idaho State, 76-66
(December 6, 2001) - Idaho State's Janae Griffin had 12 of her 18 points in the second half to lead Idaho State past UC Riverside, 76-66 at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside on Thursday night.

In the second half, the Highlanders (0-6) led 38-33 with 18:35 left in the half but the Bengals (3-4) went on an 18-0 run, led by Griffith with eight during the run, to take the lead 51-38. Amy Houchens ended the run and sparked Riverside on a 7-0 run to get within six at 51-45 and 10:34 remaining. However, UCR would not get any closer as Idaho State answered back with a 7-0 run of their own.

During the first half, the Highlanders jumped out to a 23-12 lead at the 11:58 marker after back to back baskets by Stephanie Hughes. However, the Bengals warmed up and went on an 11-0 run to tie the game at 23 all. Starr Knight broke the run with a jumper and lay-up and Amy Houchens added a 17-footer to take a 29-23 lead.

Idaho State battled back behind Jennifer Griffin's two 3-pointers to take a 31-29 lead. Jules Smith was fouled and hit one free throw and Casandra Reeves hit a 3-pointer. UCR went into the half with a 33-31 lead. The Highlanders outshot the Bengals 40.6% (13-32) to 38.7 % (12-31) in the first half.

Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 20 points and nine rebounds while Julie Shaw had 13 points and seven rebounds. Crystal Harris added nine points and 13 rebounds.

For the Bengals, Mandy Carver added a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds.

The difference for the Highlanders once again was an inability to put up enough points. UCR shot 25-of-69 (36.2%) for the game while Idaho State shot 29-of-63 (46.0%). The Bengals hit nine 3-pointers to six for the Highlanders.

UCR Loses To Portland, 74-58
(December 1, 2001) - The host Portland Pilots defeated the UC Riverside Highlanders, 74-58 at the Chiles Center in Portland, Oregon on Saturday afternoon.

The Highlanders (0-5) played a strong second half and cut the Pilots (4-0) lead from 18 down at the half to seven at the beginning of the second half. Riverside used a 12-1 lead over the first 3:03 of the half to cut the lead to 37-30.

UCR struggled from the field shooting 22-of-71 (31.0 %) for the game while Portland shot 26-of-54 (48.1 %). The Pilots also had 10 fast break points to zero for the Highlanders

Senior guard Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Senior forward Julie Shaw had 11 points and eight rebounds.

Portland guard Da'Love Woods scored a game-high 18 points and added four assists. Guard Ashlee Giles added 17 points and eight assists.

Early in the first half, the Pilots were up 9-6 with 15:56 left in the first half but they went on a 17-0 run over the next seven and a half minutes to go up 26-6. Amy Houchens stopped the run with a three-pointer at the 8:19 mark.

Riverside held Portland scoreless over the last 4:15 of the half but was only able to cut the lead to 36-18 after a basket by Rachel Johnson with 11 seconds left in the half. For the half, the Highlanders shot 8-of-39 (21%) from the field while the Pilots shot 15-of-27 (56%). Portland also out-rebounded Riverside 23-18.

UCR Loses To Portland State, 75-64
(November 29, 2001) - The UC Riverside Highlanders could not contain guard Nikki Petticrew as she scored 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including six-of-14 on three-pointers and thus lost to Portland State 75-64 at the Peter W. Stott Center in Portland, Oregon on Thursday night.

At the half, Riverside (0-4) was down 42-33 to Portland State (3-3) as the Viking shot 14-of-28 (50%) while the Highlanders shot 11-of-29 (37.9%) from the field. Riverside had 11 turnovers to nine for Portland, but the Vikings converted the turnovers into 13 points while the Highlanders only converted six points.

Senior Amy Houchens tried to bring the Highlanders back in the second half with 14 second-half points but it was not enough as the Viking held on. Portland State was able to control the boards in the second half, out-rebounding Riverside 29-16, converting 18 second chance points in the game.

Houchens led Riverside with 20 points with six three-pointers and six rebounds. Freshman Casandra Reeves was the only other Highlander in double figures adding 10 points.

Highlanders Lose Heartbreaker To Nevada, 66-65
(11/25/2001) -The UC Riverside Highlanders lost their home opener to the University of Nevada 66-65 on Sunday afternoon at the Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA. With the loss, the Highlanders drop to 0-3 on the season while the Wolfpack improve to 3-1 overall.

With the Highlanders down 66-65, freshman Casandra Reeves missed a three-pointer with nine seconds left. Riverside fouled Laura Ingham who missed the front end of a one-in-one and the Highlanders got the ball back. After a timeout, Reeves attempted a 10-footer with three seconds left that went in and out.

After the first half, it looked as though the Highlanders were overmatched as the Wolfpack led 39-25 at the half and shot 15-of-28 (53.6%). UCR used a 17-4 run at the beginning of the second half to cut the lead to 43-42. The Highlanders shot 5-of-27 (18.5%) in the first half, but kept the game within reach due to 15-of-28 shooting from the free throw line.

Starr Knight and Amy Houchens led the Highlanders with 13 points each. However, Stephanie Hughes hit key baskets down the stretch to keep the Highlanders in the game. She finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Highlanders Fall To NAU, 68-53
(11/19/2001) -The UC Riverside Highlanders lost 68-53 to the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at the Skydome in Flagstaff, AZ.

The Highlanders led 15-14 with 9:15 left in the opening period, but NAU reeled off a 19-5 run to take a 33-20 advantage. A pair of threes by Casandra Reeves pulled the Highlanders to 39-29 at the half. UCR was outshot in the first half, 15-of-29 (51.7%) to 10-of-29 (34.5%).

In the second half, Riverside pulled to within eight at 41-33 with 15:35 left but could not get any closer.

Reeves and Stephanie Hughes led the Highlanders with 12 points each. Starr Knight added seven points and eight boards.

Joy Dixon led the Lumberjacks with 14 points while Lynsie Foster added 11.

The Lumberjacks shot 27-of-55 (49.1%) for the game while holding the Highlanders to 18-of-52 (34.6%). Riverside did not helf their cause, hitting only 14-of-23 (60.9%) from the line while NAU hit 9-of-13 (69.2%).

Highlanders Fall To Weber State, 99-79
(11/16/01) - The UC Riverside Highlanders opened their season with a loss to Weber State 99-79 at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah.

The Wildcats grabbed a 50-32 lead at the half and the Highlanders could not cut into the lead. Weber State shot 35-of-60 (56.7%) while UCR shot 32-of-70 (45.7%).

Julie Gjertsen led the way with 27 points and nine assists while four other Wildcats also scored in double figures. Stephanie Stranger had 17 points and 10 assists while Crystal Howe had 12. Karsen Muller and Kristen Clyder-Gardner added 11 and 10 respectively.

Amy Houchens led four players in double figures with 18 points while also grabbing five rebounds. Julie Shaw had 17 points while Stephanie Hughes and Starr Knight each added 10.

Weber State had a big advantage from behind the arc, shooting 10-of-16 (62.5%) to only 3-of-13 (23.1%) for Riverside.