Colleen Planeta scored 26 to led the NAIA No. 2-ranked Sea Lions to their 20th win of the season Saturday at Hope International University 67-52. The win marked the eighth consecutive season in which PLNU women's basketball has won at least 20 games under Coach Bill Westphal.

The triumph was also the 250th for Westphal as head coach of the Sea Lions. Westphal has an amazing 250-103 record at Point Loma during his 10 year tenure. In addition, he has a career 490-272 mark as a collegiate coach.

"It [20 wins] came quicker than I expected," said Westphal."Each year I'm a little surprised because it's a hard number to reach. By the grace of God it happens."

PLNU improved to 20-1 overall in 2009-10 and sits atop the standings with an 11-1 mark in the Golden State Athletic Conference. The Royals fell to 7-14 on the season and 2-9 in conference.

The Sea Lions shot 46.6 percent compared to 33.9 percent from HIU, and had six blocks and 14 steals to the Royals' three blocks and eight steals. Hope won on the boards, though, grabbing 45 rebounds to PLNU's 33.

The Sea Lions led from start to finish. The Green and Gold jumped out to a 14-2 lead and were up by as much as 24 points in the middle of the second half.

Amanda Franz, who added 19 points, was the only other Sea Lion besides Planeta to score in double digits.

"What I really like about this group is that they play as a team," Westphal said. "They compete ever night. We don't always play well, but we always play hard."

Champ Hood led the offense for the Royals with 11 points and managed a double-double with 12 rebounds. Sarah Nylander was next in line with 10 points.

The Sea Lions are on the road again against what may be the toughest team in their conference. PLNU takes on the No. 4-ranked Vanguard University at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Sea Lions beat Vanguard by 10 points on Dec. 1.

-Nathan Scharn