“This was the first time all year we really played a full 40 minutes,” said Bonvicini. “I thought we played very good defense … and the key tonight was we had a lot of people contribute. We have gotten better over the last few games, while it doesn’t always show in the score. Tonight was a really good reward for all of our work over the past few weeks.”
After conceding a game-opening three-pointer to The Beach, the Redhawks countered with three consecutive treys of their own, including a pair from Ashley Ward (Irvine, Calif.).
The freshman, who earned her fourth starting nod, would go on to score 10 points in the game. It was the second consecutive contest she scored in double digits, fourth of the season.
Seattle U would hold an 11-3 advantage heading inside the 13-minute mark, behind a solid defensive effort. Despite keeping CSULB off the board for nearly eight minutes, the Redhawks could not see their work payoff on the offensive end.
Tatiana Heck (Lynnwood, Wash.) was sent to the line at 10:28, making both her free throws. On the next 49er possession, Daidra Brown (Seattle, Wash.) would steal the ball and send in an open layin to give SU a 15-5 lead for SU’s first double digit lead.
Behind three points from Amani Butler (Corona, Calif.) the Redhawks would slowly build on their double figure lead.
Long Beach would get as close as 10 points, but a Heck jumper and an Elle Kerfoot (Surrey, B.C.) basket from downtown would give SU a 26-11 advantage at 4:45
Kerfoot went on to score in double figures for the seventh straight game. The point guard tallied 13 points, in addition to five defensive boards and five assists.
Courtney Jacob and Sendy Valley attempted to give life to The Beach heading into the final minutes of first half action, combining for 11 points, but Seattle U was able to maintain their point cushion.
SU went into the break holding a 33-22 advantage.
At 17:32 the 49ers made it a nine-point game. It would be the closest The Beach would get in the second half.
As they had done all game, Seattle U would respond. This time with eight straight points, including a Sylvia Shephard (Alta Loma, Calif.) slammed in trey from the corner at 15:10, to give the Redhawks a 43-28 advantage.
Julee Christianson (Missoula, Mont.) made it a 22-point game in favor of the Redhawks, 50-28, with less than 11 to play. Her three-pointer would stymie the 49er offense and any chance of a comeback.
Seattle U would teeter around their 20-point lead for the remainder of the half.
Salena Dickerson (Federal Way, Wash.) would prove to be a steady offensive force for the Redhawks. She added jumpers throughout the game, keeping SU’s offense rolling. The senior forward scored a team-leading 13 points, putting up double figure numbers for the 13th time this season.
The Redhawks (6-17) will close out the home half of the 2010-11 schedule this upcoming week with a pair of contests. Seattle U will host their annual Pink Zone game when Eastern Washington comes to town on Tuesday, Feb. 8, for a 7 p.m. game. On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Redhawks will close things out with Cal State Bakersfield in a 4 p.m. matchup. The game will also mark SU’s Senior Night ceremony.