After traveling to sunny California last weekend, the CMU women’s basketball team lost two close matchups to start the season, with a 62-59 loss to Cal. State-Chico and a 55-54 overtime defeat against Sonoma State.

On Friday, The Mavs and Wildcats were neck and neck for most of the game. Forward Kelsey Sigl hit a three-pointer with 48 seconds left to give the Mavericks a 57-56 lead late in the game. However, The Wildcats responded with a three of their own 30 seconds later to regain the lead. The Mavs turned the ball over late and were unable to catch the Wildcats.

Sigl led the Mavs with 19 points on 8-14 shooting, making her only three-point attempt. Senior Tara Gehring also had double-digit points with 14 points and one assist. Redshirt Freshman Leanndra Gilbert added 11 points for the Mavs. CMU made 44 percent of its shots and were 52 percent from the free throw line.

Looking to bounce back from Friday’s road loss, the Mavericks traveled to Rohnert Park for game two of a California road trip against the Sonoma State Seawolves. Colorado Mesa kept the score close, but fell short again in overtime, 55-54. Sigl had a monster scoring night, scoring 28 of the Mavericks’ 54 points. Senior Hillary Duncan added nine points, shooting 4-5 and making her only three-point shot. As a team, CMU shot 45% in the game, but also had 29 turnovers.

This is the third time in four seasons that the Mavericks have started the season with two losses.

After losing two straight on the road, the CMU women return home for the annual Clarion Inn Classic this week, hoping to turn things around. The Mavs will host the 2-2 Tarleton State University Texans on Friday night in Brownson Arena.

bdroz@mavs.coloradomesa.edu