San Rafael, Calif. – The Sea Lions were on the road to face the Penguins of Dominican (CA) who are atop the PacWest standings at 3-0 to begin the season. The team struggled shooting early in the game and found themselves in an early hole, 18-10, after one quarter of play. PLNU had only 20 points at halftime, trailing 41-20, for their lowest scoring half of the season. Point Loma would find that deficit too much to overcome despite finding a better offensive rhythm in the second half. Dominican would get the victory 78-59.
 
Roya Rustamzada led Point Loma with 11 points while also grabbing 19 rebounds to record her seventh double-double of the season. Tayla Hepburn was the only other Sea Lion to score in double figures with 10 points for the game. Cara Liggins added seven points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes of action. Grace Brady once again made the most of her time on the floor grabbing six rebounds, blocking five shots, and adding three points for PLNU.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (6-4, 1-2 PacWest), Dominican (CA) (10-2, 4-0 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
Point Loma falls to 1-2 on the season after facing three of the top teams in the conference. Dominican improves to 4-0 on the season to stay atop the conference standings.
 
The Turning Point
The Penguins opened the second quarter with a 14-5 run to push their lead to 17 and push the game out of reach for the Sea Lions.
 
Thoughts from Coach Faulkner
On their early offensive struggles: "We started off with low energy and were struggling to make shots. We tried to get going with our defense but we struggled that first half, Dominican's been playing well and I give them a lot of credit. For us, we need to get better at several things and we are working through some of that now. Scoring 20 points in the first half is just not going to cut it."

On Roya's career rebounding night: "She has really stepped up since Brunk has been injured. She's been a great leader not only on the court but also vocally, I am asking her to do a lot more and she has been awesome. For a good part of that game she was guarding one of their best players and did a wonderful job on her. She did a great job on the glass, 19 boards is amazing."

On turning their focus to ARTU on Monday: "We need to have a really intense practice tomorrow, look introspectively at our own motivation, and take some personal accountability for areas we can improve on both individually and collectively. It starts with our coaching staff and I think we will make the adjustments that are necessary and come out with a lot of energy. It is challenging to win a PacWest game on the road and we are going to have to play much better and our girls know that."

News and Notes
> Rustamzada's 19 rebounds is a new career high, she grabbed 15 defensive and four offensive boards.
> Grace Brady has nine blocks in the last two games, while playing only 23 total minutes.
> 59 points is the lowest point total for the Sea Lions since early last season.
> The Penguins outscored the Sea Lions 15-2 points off of turnovers.
> PLNU shot only 32 percent from the field for the game. 

Up Next
Point Loma will stay in the Bay Area and face an Academy of Art team that is 1-10 on the season Monday night at 5:30 p.m.