The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Cal Baptist topped by San Diego in WNIT
RIVERSIDE » It wasn’t the ending Ane Olaeta wanted, but it was an ending all the same.
Olaeta had 16 points but turned the ball over seven times in her final collegiate game as Cal Baptist University’s women’s basketball team lost 76-67 to University of San Diego on Thursday night in a Women’s National Invitation Tournament first-round game at the CBU Events Center.
“Even though it didn’t go the way we wanted to, it was still a blessing,” said Olaeta, who averaged 15 points this season. “I’m frustrated but I gave it my all.”
The senior guard pushed the tempo and had 12 points in the second half but it wasn’t enough for Cal Baptist (23-9), which was outrebounded (45-33) and committed a season-high 22 turnovers.
“Obviously we didn’t want to turn over the ball that many times (and) it’s been something we’ve struggled with,” CBU coach Jarrod Olson said. “We had a hard time passing and catching at times and making easy plays.”
Caitlyn Harper had a team-high 19 points and nine rebounds for the Lancers, who were making their third appearance in the Women’s NIT in four years.
“I feel pretty confident about the job we’ve done the last four years,” Olson said. “Not many schools have handled the transition (to Division I) better.”
Steph Gorman had a game-high 22 points and nine steals as San Diego (17-14) bounced back from its loss in the West Coast Conference tournament.
“It was great to show the country that we have more to give,” Gorman said.
“CBU is a well-coached team that can put it in the paint and then kick it and make you pay,” added San Diego coach Cindy Fisher. “I thought we did a good job of taking care of out secondchance opportunities.”
The Toreros advance to play at New Mexico in the second round this weekend.
“In the ‘The Pit’ it can be a tough place to play, but we’ll be prepared,” Fisher said.
Olaeta’s dish to Harper made it a two-point game at the end if the first quarter, and the Lancers point guard kept the deficit at two going into halftime after a pair of free throws.
A pair of technical fouls helped San Diego expand the lead in the second half and despite Olaeta’s best effort, the Lancers could not get the margin closer than six points down the stretch.
“We’ve struggled the last few weeks with composure so obviously I’m disappointed that we continued to have that problem,” Olson said.
Trinity San Antonio (Centennial) had 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Britney Thomas (San Jacinto) had six points and five rebounds in her collegiate finale.