WEST CHESTER, Pa.(Nov. 23) - The California University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team suffered a 64-36 defeat at the hands of west Chester University on Sunday afternoon,marking their lowest shooting performance since the 2022 NCAA tournament. The loss concludes a challenging stretch of three games in five days for the Vulcans.
The setback drops Cal to 3-5 on the season and highlights offensive struggles as they head into a month-long break. While the team demonstrated hustle with 19 offensive rebounds, a dismal shooting percentage ultimately proved insurmountable against the Golden Rams. The Vulcans will use the time to regroup before hosting Ashland (OH) on December 1st.
Senior Kennedy Banquest led Cal with 10 points, shooting 4-of-11 from the field, and added six rebounds and five steals in 33 minutes of play. Senior Alicia Young contributed eight points, four rebounds, and five steals, while junior Kimaya Williams paced the team with nine rebounds, five on the offensive end. Sophomore Hope Hawkins secured seven rebounds, six offensive.
West Chester established a important lead early, ending the first quarter ahead 20-7 after limiting California to just two field goals. The Golden Rams extended their advantage to 37-16 by halftime, leading by as many as 24 points in the second quarter. A 15-2 run by West Chester in the final minutes sealed the victory, as cal managed only seven points in the fourth quarter.Cal finished the game shooting 20.9 percent (14-of-67) from the floor, including a mere 14.3 percent (2-of-14) from three-point range. west Chester controlled the boards,holding a 45-36 rebounding advantage despite Cal’s efforts.
The Vulcans will resume play on December 1st at 5:30 p.m., hosting Ashland University. The teams last met during the 2009-10 season. Ashland boasts a decorated history, having won the NCAA division II National Championship in 2013, 2017, and 2023, and finishing as national runner-up in 2012 and 2018.
