UC Santa Cruz Women's Basketball played Menlo College this Wednesday evening at Kaiser Permanente Arena and lost 67-58.

The game started with a three-pointer shot made by Talysha Wilkerson from an assist from Alyssa Jackson. Then, back-to-back jump shots from Lilli Hammons kept the Banana Slugs in the lead (7-2, 6:50). The Oaks were able to gain the lead with free throws and layups (12-7, 5:19). The Banana Slugs made a beautiful play with Celine Castaneda passing the ball under the defense to Hammons who had a turnaround jumper (17-10, 2:10). The first quarter ended with the Oaks leading 17-11.

Amanda Inserra started the second quarter with a three-pointer on Castaneda's assist (18-14, 9:28). Hammons had another good play with a turnaround jumper with an assist from Inserra to stay within four (21-17, 7:17). However, the Oaks were able to end this quarter with many shots and steals. The second quarter ended with the Oaks being in the lead 35-19.

The third quarter saw the Banana Slugs playing with high intensity. It started with back-to-back shots from Hammons helping the Banana Slugs come back. Wilkerson hit two all net three-pointers from the NBA line (41-29, 6:59). Then Jackson also made another all net three-pointer, putting the Banana Slugs only behind by 7 points (43-36, 5:32). The Banana Slugs dominated this quarter with many beautiful shots and plays. However, the Oaks still led at the end 49-40.

The fourth quarter started with a layup from Castaneda with an assist from Hammons (49-42, 9:54). Alexa Litchev made a layup making the score 53-44. Hammons had a mid-range jump shot with an assist from Castaneda, which put the Banana Slugs within 7 points (53-46, 7:08). With a screen from Hammons, Jackson was able to make a floating jump shot (57-48, 5:18). There were many layups by Litchev, Castaneda, and Wilkerson (65-54, 1:26). Yet, Oaks held their lead and won this game.

Hammons had the team high for UC Santa Cruz with a career-high 18 points, along with 13 rebounds, and two steals. Wilkerson had 17 points, three steals, and one block.

The Banana Slugs (4-5) will next play against Pacific University (4-3) on Tuesday, December 19th at 1:00 PM at Kaiser Permanente Arena.