INSTA-RECAP: Cal Women's Basketball Dominate St. Mary's, 90-58

Big opening nights for Lulu Twidale and Marta Suarez

Cal jumped out to an early 12-2 and never looked back en route to a dominating all around performance against Saint Mary’s. The Gaels had no answer for Mart Suarez’s inside presence or the outside shooting of Lulu Twidale. Twidale finished with a game 24 points, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Marta Suarez finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds. As a team, Cal shot 50% from the field, including 47% from long range.

Cal rotated multiple players at point guard. USC transfer Kayla Williams led the team with 6 assists. The starting lineup was Williams at PG, Ioanna Krimli and Lulu Twidale at off-guard, Marta Suarez as a stretch forward, and Michelle Onyiah anchoring the center. All starters played over 25 minutes, with 4 additional players playing over 10 minutes.

Williams also displayed tenacious defense on the perimeter. AS a team, the Gaels shot 41% overall, but only 21% from 3-point range (3 of 14).

Cal committed 19 turnovers, compared to only 17 assists. In her postgame comments, Coach Smith indicated the team was a bit loose with the ball tonight, and will improve as the season goes on.

Cal’s next game is Thursday at 11am against Idaho State in Haas Pavilion.