SAN DIEGO - The Point Loma women's basketball team scored the first 18 points of the game, and held Hawaii Hilo without a basket for the first nine minutes, to cruise to a 69-48 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
 
The Sea Lions have now won 10 of their last 11 contests and stand in third place in the Pacific West Conference with a 12-4 record (14-9 overall). Their winning ways started in Hawaii when PLNU picked up a 72-58 victory against the Vulcans. The loss puts Hawaii Hilo into eighth place with a 6-8 PacWest record (7-11 overall).
 
Point Loma seized control of this game from the opening tip. The Sea Lions forced the Vulcans to miss their first 12 shots, while creating six turnovers in the opening nine minutes. UHH would never be closer than 12 points in the entire contest.
 
"Our starting five plays really hard out there," Westphal explained, "and when they are sharing the ball that is what happens. What a wonderful start."
 
Roya Rustamzada recorded her second straight double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Jessica Escorza led all scorers with 19 points on 7of-12 shooting. Riley Abraham also chipped in with nine points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
 
PLNU limited Hawaii Hilo to 28 percent shooting in the game, including just 19 percent in the first half. The Sea Lions also outrebounded the Vulcans 43-34 and outscored them 22-10 on points in the paint.
 
"We are going to press all year long every minute," Westphal said. "We just play more aggressively and even if they break the press they are then against the shot clock."
 
Alexa Jacobs came off the bench to pace the Vulcans with 14 points.
 
The Sea Lions will continue its homestand on Thursday, Feb. 12 against PacWest leaders, Hawaii Pacific, at 5:30 p.m.
 
"We have been looking forward to this homestand for a while because it felt like we were on the road for so long," Westphal added.