CAL PAC: LADY ELKS DEFEAT PAC U

VALLEJO, Calif. — The #4 seeded Stanton University Lady Elks opened the California Pacific Conference Tournament with a 58-53 victory over #5 Pacific Union College on Friday at the PE & Aquatics Center. With the win, Stanton advances to the next round to face top-seeded Simpson University.

Young Dominates the Glass

Center Najharae Young led the Lady Elks' performance, playing all 40 minutes of the contest. Young recorded a double-double with 22 points and 27 rebounds. Defensively, she added 4 blocks and a steal, preventing the Pioneers from establishing a consistent presence in the paint. Her ability to control the boards and protect the basket served as the foundation for the Stanton victory.

Key Contributors

Several other Lady Elks provided necessary scoring and defensive pressure to secure the win:

• Isabel Betancor: The guard scored 12 points, converting three 3-pointers and three free throws.

• Melissa Castro: Played the full 40 minutes, recording 7 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

• Teagan Cohen: Finished with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals, leading the team's defensive efforts on the perimeter.

• Estela Sancho: Added 7 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes of action off the bench.

Game Summary

Stanton established an early lead, outscoring the Pioneers 18-8 in the second quarter to take a 29-16 advantage into halftime. Pacific Union rallied in the second half, outscoring the Lady Elks 37-29 across the final two periods, but Young's interior presence and Stanton's 12 total steals secured the five-point win.

Stanton shot 29.2% from the field and 63.6% from the free-throw line. The Lady Elks' 58 total rebounds and defensive pressure proved to be the difference in the closely contested opening round.

Next Matchup

The Lady Elks now move on to the semifinal round in San Francisco. They are scheduled to play the #1 seed Simpson University as they continue their pursuit of the conference title.