SAN DIEGO---Haylee Saurette kicked off the 2021-2022 season with a statement and the Point Loma Sea Lions (1-0 overall) picked up from there in a 85-55 win over the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes (0-1 overall) Friday night inside of Golden Gymnasium.

The Charity Elliott era began behind a red-hot Saurette, who could not miss. The junior forward made her first seven shots translating to 13 of the first 15 Sea Lion points give Point Loma a 15-8 lead at the first media timeout.

Point Loma shot a whopping 76% from the field for the game and an ultra-crisp 7-12 from deep.

"It was a lot of fun seeing them have the success we had tonight." Elliott said. "I'm so proud of the way we shared the basketball. We found each other and we really did focus on some very specific things. I'm really proud of what we did tonight."

Saurette wound up with 24 points in the first half as Point Loma built a 53-27 lead at the half, utilizing a thirty point second quarter.

Alix Henderson was also contributing from the start, adding 8 points in the first half.

Point Loma opened the game with crisp ball movement, stifling defense and cashed in on seemingly all the opportunities that those opened up.
Saurette finished with a game high 27.

"Haylee was just making great decisions, taking great shots." Elliott said. "She knows the work she's put in over the last year, up until right now, and it's paying off for her. We continue to encourage her not to defer to anybody. We have all the confidence in the world in her."

Four of the Point Loma starters; Saurette, Henderson, Cara Liggins and Madison Corder finished with double figures and seven others scored at least one field goal.

"I think this team is going to be; Haylee got us going tonight but tomorrow night it might be somebody very different." Elliott said. "That's what's really special about our team we do have a lot of people can do something as significant as Haylee did tonight by just getting us going. But she's set the bar pretty high, so I'd be fine if she does that tomorrow."

Point Loma turns right around to take on a tough Cal Poly Pomona team that lost in overtime to Azusa Pacific earlier on Friday.

Tip for the Sea Lion's conclusion to the PacWest-CCAA Challenge is scheduled for 7:30pm inside Golden Gym.