ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team fell to Sonoma State 57-51 In CCAA action at the Wolves' Den on Thursday evening.

The Coyotes started strong, taking a 4-0 lead after a layup by senior Mia Dufresne (Torrance, Calif.). However, Sonoma State responded, closing the first quarter with a 22-14 lead.

The Seawolves continued their run in the second quarter, eventually taking a 28-14 lead — their largest of the game. CSUSB chipped away at the deficit, but Sonoma State maintained a 34-24 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Coyotes mounted a comeback, eventually taking a 40-39 lead at the 4:08 mark of the third quarter. Dufresne and graduate student Lauryn Morris (Irvine, Calif.) led the way in the quarter with six points each and contributing 12 of CSUSB's 16 points. However, Sonoma State closed the quarter on an 8-0 run, regaining controland taking a 47-40 lead to the fourth.

The fourth quarter started strong with CSUSB's defense not allowing a point for the first five minutes and cutting Sonoma's lead to one point off a step-back jumper by freshman Aariah Roa (Los Angeles, Calif.). Senior Deannah Buckner (Rialto, Calif.) also contributed, scoring four of her season-high 10 points during this stretch and adding six rebounds for the game, also a season-high.

Although CSUSB kept it close for the remainder of the game, Sonoma State held on by knocking down key free throws in the final minutes. Despite coming up short, the Yotes held Sonoma State to just 4-for-25 (16.0 percent) shooting in the second half.

Morris finished as both the game's leading scorer and rebounder, with a 17-point, 10-board double-double. It is her fifth double-double in seven games for the Coyotes this season, leading the CCAA.

Next, the Coyotes will return to Southern California on Saturday for a road matchup against Cal State San Marcos. Tip-off at the Sports Center is slated for 1 p.m.

#GoYotes