San Rafael, CA – In a hard-fought battle at the Conlan Center on February 13, 2025, the Hawaii Pacific University women's basketball team (9-12, 5-10 PacWest) fell just short to Dominican University (CA), losing 61-57. Despite a valiant effort, the Sharks were unable to secure the win in the closing moments, with Dominican holding off a late-game surge to earn the victory.
Key Performances:
- Serenity Santos was the standout player for the Sharks, leading the team with 11 points and contributing 4 rebounds in an efficient shooting performance.
- Morgan Hawkins provided solid support with 9 points and 4 rebounds, playing an important role in both offense and defense.
- Sarah Tait chipped in with 8 points, including timely free throws to keep the game close down the stretch.
- Off the bench, Leslie Mojica provided 8 points, hitting two critical three-pointers.
Game Recap:
The game began with both teams locked in a competitive first quarter. Dominican held a slight advantage, leading 21-17 after the opening period. The Sharks fought back in the second quarter, outscoring Dominican 19-18, and heading into halftime just down by 2 points at 39-37.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with both shooting percentages dipping. Hawaii Pacific managed only 12 points in the third period, while Dominican scored just 12 as well, keeping the game tight as both teams worked hard to maintain their composure.
In the fourth quarter, the Sharks had their chances, but their offense could not find the rhythm needed to overtake Dominican. Despite a strong defensive showing, limiting Dominican to just 9 points in the final quarter, Hawaii Pacific's shooting struggles continued. They hit only 3 of 16 field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, and the Penguins held on for the win.
Notable Contributions from Dominican:
- Alaiyah San Juan led the way for Dominican, scoring 19 points and grabbing 3 rebounds while also contributing crucial free throws in the final moments.
- Andraya Perez added 13 points, hitting key shots to maintain the Penguins' slim lead throughout the game.
- Taylor Linzie contributed a double-double, with 12 points and 25 rebounds, dominating the boards for Dominican and providing a strong presence in the paint.
- Abigail Cooper also made significant contributions, adding 10 points in the victory.
Team Stats:
- Hawaii Pacific shot 19-of-64 (29.7%) from the field, struggling with shooting efficiency, especially from three-point range (8-of-32, 25%).
- Dominican, on the other hand, shot 20-of-61 (32.8%) from the field and 5-of-13 (38.5%) from beyond the arc. The Penguins capitalized on their free-throw opportunities, hitting 16-of-26 (61.5%).
- The Sharks were solid defensively, holding Dominican to just 9 points in the final quarter but were unable to overcome their shooting woes.
In a game full of back-and-forth action, it was Dominican's ability to control the boards and capitalize on free throws in the final moments that proved to be the difference. The Sharks will look to regroup and adjust as they head into the final stretch of the season.
#GoSharks
