The Sacramento State women’s basketball team couldn’t handle any felines this weekend, getting mauled by both the Bengals and Wildcats.

The Hornets (2-15 overall, 0-4 in Big Sky Conference) played two Big Sky games, losing 77-62 to the Idaho State Bengals (5-11, 1-3) and 73-47 to the Weber State Wildcats (11-6, 3-1).

Against the Wildcats, the Hornets made 13-of-23 baskets in the first period, and trailed 35-30 at the half.

The Wildcats struck hard in the second half, limiting the Hornets to 15 points while shooting a blistering 10-of-17 from 3-point range.

“We’ve always used a tremendous amount of picks and screens,” Hornet coach Carolyn Jenkins said. “What we can learn from Weber State is how they execute them.”

Against Idaho State, the Hornets shot 27-of-68 from the field and were out rebounded 46-35. Sac State, however, only got to the line three times, compared to the 23 free throws taken by the Bengals.

“It’s tough. All we have is the three post players. In the first half against Idaho State we picked up a few fouls,” Jenkins said. “We have to work on not getting out of position and not fouling. With Caitlin (Ciampi) out, the problem is compounded.”

Ciampi suffered an injury several weeks ago, but will be able to start practicing soon, according to Jenkins.

For the Hornets, Sarah Craig, Danielle Iceman and Megan Moon scored in double figures, with Iceman leading the team on 7-of-11 shooting and 16 points.

Moon scored most of her 12-points in the second quarter, knocking down a career high 4-of-5 from 3-point range.

“The biggest reason Megan is here is because of her work ethic and competitiveness,” Jenkins said. “She’s been getting gradual experience and she works on the things that she needs to improve.”

The Hornets rallied in the second half, reducing the deficit to nine points, but were unable to recover from the 20-point half-time deficit.

The women’s team will return home to play against Montana State on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7:05 p.m.

Hornets avoid history

Sacramento State’s women’s basketball team had another blowout game on Dec. 21, except this time they didn’t lose.

The Hornets avoided making history, dodging Long Island University’s all-time Div. I record of 58-consecutive losses, with a 77-55 win over Notre Dame de Namur, an NAIA team.

It was the Hornets’ first victory since a Jan. 27, 2001 victory over Portland State.

The victory ended Sacramento’s 44-game losing streak.

Sydney Gatson, a shooting guard and three-year Sac State veteran, led the Hornets in the first half, scoring 13 of her 16 points, despite a torn disk in her back.

Gatson is the only current Hornet who was with the team during their victory over Portland State.

Small forward Sarah Craig led Sac State in scoring, knocking down 9-of-12 shots and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.

“I was just as pumped up at the end as I was at the beginning of the game,” Craig said. “It was a great all-around game from all of our players. It just came together so nicely for us. That’s the team we can be.”

“I just know what I see at practice,” she said. “I have a lot of faith in our team.”

The Hornets beat San Jose Christian on Jan. 9 for their second win of the season.