The sting of defeat

Image: The sting of defeat::

Image: The sting of defeat::

Robert Alvis

The woes of the Sacramento State’s women’s basketball team continued Saturday night as the Hornets’ lost to Northern Arizona at home 60-51.

The Hornets’ were unable to earn their second conference victory, but remain in contention for a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament that includes all but the bottom two conference teams.

Sac State took its only lead in the first half at 14-13 on a Samania Black Free throw. After that Natalie Metz led the charge for Northern Arizona, shooting 5 of 7 with 13 points in the first half as the Lumberjacks took control of the game.

The Hornets’ were able to cut the lead to six several times in the second half, but were unable to capitalize near the basket.

“We missed too many close range shots and too many free throws,” head coach Dan Muscatell said.

Sac State finished the game 12 of 21 (.571) from the line and shot just 12 of 28 (.333) from the field.

With less than four minutes to play, the Hornets’ were down 15 when they responded with a 9-0 run — punctuated by Stephanie Cherry’s 3-pointer — to cut the lead to six with a minute to go.

Sac State was unable to get any closer as Northern Arizona’s Lacey Tolbert hit five clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the victory for the Northern Arizona.

The Hornets’ were led by sophomore Katelyn Ciampi who scored 11 and was the only Hornet in double figures.

Freshman Jessica Voisard continued her good play on the glass grabbing a team-high eight rebounds.

Voisard entered the game eighth in the conference in rebounding.

Junior Tyeisha Brown added eight points and seven rebounds.

Metz, who finished with a game-high 20 points, and Alyssa Wahl, who scored 11 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, led Northern Arizona.

Sac State fell to 1-19 overall and 1-6 in Big Sky Conference.