Box Score SANTA CRUZ, CA -- Ten different Slugs scored and UCSC stretched the current win streak to four games. The Slugs improved their record to 12-6 with a 67-53 win over the Pacific Union Pioneers. This was truly a team victory as the Slugs got key contributions from several players. Taylor Willis played an excellent overall game including 8 first half points. Leah Parrish added a double double with 11 rebounds and 10 points. Geena Giovannetti poured in a team high 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
Willis set the tone early getting the Slugs off to a fast start. Before the Pioneers knew what hit them, Willis made a layup, hit a three point shot and set up Mackey and Giovannetti with easy baskets. With 5 minutes gone, the Slugs led 17-4. The Slugs increased the lead to 23-4 after Sarah Crane, Mackey and Trina Torres converted layups. On the defensive end, led by Willis and Erin Joo, the Slugs forced the Pioneers into 20 turnovers and numerous difficult shots. When Paciific Union penetrated the Slug defense, Mackey (4 blocks) and Lashay Alexander (1 block) were able to alter the Pioneer shots. After Torres hit a layup and Giovannetti drained a three, the Slugs led 44-21 at the half.
The second half started similar to the way the first half ended. Ashley Holmes came off the bench and swished two three pointers. Parrish and Alexander converted consecutive free throws and the Slugs led 62-38 with six minutes to go. With the game seemingly in hand, Coach Kent went deeper into the bench. The Pioneers responded with two quick baskets but a deep three pointer from the NBA line by Melody Barooni stopped the run. The Pioneers were able to put together a string of baskets to cut the lead to 12 points but a layup by Holmes made the final score 67-53.
The Slugs continue the season on Jan 25th at the Kaiser Permanente Arena against Bethesda Christian.
