FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Wednesday evening, UC Santa Cruz's women's basketball team faced up against Pacific University; despite their best efforts, the Slugs fell 68-55. The Banana Slugs had a strong first quarter but were unable to come back in the second half of the game. The Banana Slugs shot 41.7% from the field and landed 84.6% of their free throws.
 
How It Happened 
UC Santa Cruz started strong, staying neck and neck with the Boxer's during the first quarter. Each team managed to score 14 points, with the Slugs shooting 45% from the field. Jenna Gorton was a first-quarter standout, scoring seven of the first-quarter's points.

In the second quarter, Pacific University gained momentum and dominated the court. Despite three-point shots from Emilie Ngo and Alyssa Jackson, respectively, the Boxer's took half with a 35-24 lead.
 
Not to be counted out just yet, the Banana Slugs fought hard in the third quarter playing strong defense. Claire Galbo landed multiple blocks, helping the Banana Slugs put up 12 points to Pacific's 9, shrinking the gap and bringing the game to 44 -36 in favor of Pacific. 
 
As the game moved into the fourth quarter, both teams were determined to play till the very end. The Slugs played well, shooting 60% from the field, seeing Ngo put up 13 of the quarter's 19 points. However, despite their best efforts, UC Santa Cruz was unable to close the gap Pacific built up in the second quarter, ultimately falling 68 to 55. 
 
UC Santa Cruz will prepare for their last game of the week as they go up against George Fox University this Friday, December 20th, in Newberg, Oregon.