CALIFORNIA, Pa. (January 31, 2015) - The Edinboro women's basketball team lost its first game in its last four efforts on Saturday afternoon at the hands of California (Pa.) 75-48 in the Convocation Center. The 27-point loss was the Fighting Scots second-worst loss of the season as they fall to 14-6 overall and 11-5 in the PSAC West. The Vulcans move to 17-3 and 14-2 in the division.
Edinboro committed a season-high 27 turnovers. The last time the Fighting Scots committed that many turnovers was nearly two years ago on January 30, 2013 when they turned the ball over 29 times in a 63-46 win against Mercyhurst. California (Pa.) capitalized with 33 points off turnovers while committing only 10 turnovers.
The Vulcans quickly raced out to a 20-4 lead. Kaitlynn Fratz made a 3-pointer with 11:57 left in the first half to cap off the opening run. Edinboro committed eight turnovers over that stretch.
The Fighting Scots trailed 45-23 at halftime and by as much as 32 points in the game when they fell behind 65-33 with 10:26 remaining in the game. The 27-point final deficit was only worse for Edinboro this season when California (Pa.) beat them by 28 points (76-48) in the first meeting between the two teams in Edinboro, Pa.
Cal limited Edinboro to one 3-pointer made. The Scots, who entered the game first in the nation in 3-point percentage shooting 40.6 percent, shot 12.5 percent (1-for-8) from beyond the arc. It was the first time Edinboro made less than four 3-pointers all season. The Fighting Scots ultimately shot 21-for-54 from the floor (38.9 percent) while the Vulcans shot 26-for-60 (43.3 percent) from the field and 4-for-11 (36.4 percent) on 3-pointers.
Aignee' Freeland was the only Edinboro player to score in double figures. The junior forward/center finished with 23 points on 11-for-19 shooting and 1-for-2 at the free throw line. She also had a team-high six rebounds. Freeland has now scored 20-or-more points in three straight games, the first time she has done so in her career.
The rest of the Fighting Scots starters struggled to find their shot. The other four starters shot 6-for-23 (26.1 percent) from the floor.
The Vulcans had a quartet of players score in double figures led by Miki Glenn's 19 points. The sophomore guard also had a team-high three assists. Emma Mahady finished with 15 points while Fratz scored 13 points. Irina Kukolj rounded out the group while scoring 10 points. The senior guard/forward also had a game-high four steals.
The Scots remain fourth in the PSAC West despite the loss. They are a win away from securing a PSAC Tournament berth. California (Pa.) is second in the division as Edinboro trails Cal by three games for second place as the Fighting Scots seek a top two finish in the PSAC West for the fifth straight season.
Edinboro will look to rebound next Wednesday night when local rival Gannon visits McComb Fieldhouse. The Fighting Scots won all four meetings last year between the two teams before the Lady Knights held on for a 76-70 victory at the Hammermill Center. It will also be the Scots Make-A-Wish night as the Edinboro athletic department teams up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in what should be a special night.
