All-around solid and focused play were the catalyst in the Seattle University women's basketball team's season opening 60-55 victory over UC Santa Barbara Friday evening in the Connolly Center. The Redhawks set things in motion early, remained determined and persistent, and saw contributions throughout the lineup in the all-around team win.
"It felt great and I'm very proud of our players," said head coach Joan Bonvicini of the victory. "To win in our home opener is really important. I really liked the way we made some adjustments, (particularly) in the second half."
The Redhawks shot 43.4 percent (23-for-53) from the field, to UCSB's 37.3 percent (22-for-59). The Gauchos did outrebound SU, 39-37, with both sides earning 25 defensive boards apiece.
"In (our) first game there were things defensively we did well; I think there (are) still a lot of things we need to improve on and this is the part about playing your first game. Now you get to see really what you are good at and what you need to work on."
The game saw the new and improved Redhawks, where they showcased their versatility. They were successful scoring inside, as well as from range, sinking five three's in the contest.
Seattle U's efforts were headlined by the debut of senior Talisa Rhea (Juneau, Alaska), who kicked off the year with a double-double behind 20 points and 12 boards. Rhea shined, tallying three three-pointers, four assists and a steal in 39 minutes of action.
Rhea's veteran leadership helped keep the Redhawks focused from the opening tip, as Seattle U maintained the lead nearly throughout the 40-minute battle.
With milliseconds left on the shot clock, Daidra Brown (Seattle, Wash.) opened up scoring to give the Redhawks an early 3-0 lead 22 seconds into action. She received a rushed pass from Elle Kerfoot (Surrey, B.C.) to drain a three from the corner that perfectly fell into the basket off the backboard.
Kerfoot would go on to make it a 6-1 game a minute-and-a-half into action, as SU established their tempo on all ends of the floor and found their rhythm.
Seattle U played a strong man-on-man defense, forcing UCSB to commit a pair of early turnovers, which they were able to take advantage of on the other end of the floor.
Their defensive efforts were complimented with successful shots from range, as Rhea's first official Redhawk points were Seattle U's third consecutive trey at 15:43.
After getting off to a slow start, the Gaucho offense picked up their pace and went on a 4-0 run with over 13 to play.
Rhea broke up their run, with an offensive board and layin to maintain SU's multi-possession advantage, 13-8, at 13:01.
UCSB continued to work to claw their way back into the game and take over control of the contest midway through the half.
Riding an 8-4 UCSB run, Emilie Johnson made it a two-point contest, 25-23, at 3:43.
Less than two minutes later, Johnson gave UC Santa Barbara their first lead of the game, 28-25, scoring five consecutive points.
She would go on to score 20 points, including going 5-for-6 from the free throw line.
Despite the Gauchos' efforts, Rhea was there to pick up her team. She connected with Kacie Sowell (Ventura, Calif.) with 40 seconds to play for a layin and followed it up with a her third three-pointer with two seconds left to send SU into halftime with a 30-28 lead.
"I was just trying to get a shot up because I knew the clock was winding down. I kind of just let it go and there wasn't too much thought behind it, other than just trying to get a shot off," said Rhea of her buzzer beater at the end of the first half.
The second half opened with choppy play from both sides, as points were hard to come by initially.
"I think it is really important to maintain the momentum," said Bonvicini. "When you do a good job of playing defense and you're conditioned, good things are going to happen. It is conditioning, fundamentals and unity on your team (that) equals success."
Those elements continued to come together for Seattle U, as they outlasted a battling UCSB squad to the end.
The lead would teeter between both sides, until the 15th minute when Sowell received back-to-back quick dishes below the basket to help SU hold a slight lead, 39-37.
Sowell provided a strong post presence, especially in the second half. She was able to maneuver around the Gaucho defenders and maintain the momentum on the Redhawks' side. Sowell would go on to score a career-high 19 points and grab eight rebounds in 31 minutes of work.
After allowing UCSB to come within two, Seattle U would cap off a 6-0 run and take a 43-37 advantage off an Ashley Ward (Irvine, Calif.) jumper below the hoop.
The Gauchos continued to knock on the Redhawks door, trying to swing the momentum permanently to their side. The score was tied four times in the second half, but the Redhawks were relentless.
SU established a double digit advantage at 3:57, 54-44, off the hands of Rhea. Posted under the basket, she grabbed a defensive board and threw a fast break down the floor to a hustling Brenda Adhiambo (Mombasa, Kenya), who missed her initial attempt, but made good on her second chance shot.
After holding a double figure lead, the ever-persistent Gauchos made it a four-point game, 55-51, with less than a minute to go.
Despite a Johnson three-pointer with 32 seconds to play, making it a 58-55 contest, Maggie McCarthy (Burlingame, Calif.) would grab a defensive board on UC Santa Barbara's ensuing drive to seal the Redhawk victory.
Seattle U will remain at home to host UC Davis on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. The Aggies opened the year with a 69-68 victory at Washington.