SALEM, Ore. – The UC Santa Cruz's women's basketball team fought hard but fell to Willamette University on Monday evening. After a strong first half by the Bearcats, the Banana Slugs could not catch up, dropping the game 87-53 in Oregon.

How It Happened
The Bearcats started the first quarter strong, scoring five 3-pointers, putting the Slugs in a difficult position as the quarter wrapped up with a 23 -11 lead for Willamette. UC Santa Cruz fought back in the second quarter, scoring 17 points to the Bearcats 16 with three field throws each from Emilie Ngo and Alexa Litchev respectively. However, as the game continued, the Slugs could not catch up to Willamette's first-quarter lead as the Bearcats secured an 87 to 53 win. 

Emilie Ngo led the Slugs in both shots made and rebounds, scoring eight points with seven rebounds. Claire Galbo was another strong player for UC Santa Cruz, with two three-point shots and four assists. 

The Banana Slugs will return to court in Stockton, CA, on Wednesday, December 18th, to face up against Pacific University.