LOS ANGELES — After coming back from a 17-point deficit to trim the lead to two points, Humboldt State was unable to sustain its momentum down the stretch, falling 80-69 to Cal State Los Angeles in the California Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball opener Friday.

HSU found emotion and energy in reserves Luiza Osborne, Brittany Taylor and Paige Peterson came off the bench to ignite a 12-0 run that allowed the Jacks to pull within two points midway through the second half. But the Golden Eagles found a way to get past the Jacks' press again, converting layup after layup in extending their lead again.

Cal State Los Angeles was led in scoring by Jazzi Johnson's 14 points, with Yasmeen Herrerra and Veronica Williams adding 11 each as the Golden Eagles improved to 1-2 overall.  Trisha Alaba had 14 points for HSU, while Jennifer Enos and Taylor had 12 each in a losing effort, Humboldt falling to 2-3 overall.

The game's early stages were marked by myriad turnovers, fouls and missed shots, keeping the score low despite the Jacks' attempts to push the pace. Cal State L.A. also dominated the boards, providing the Eagles with second chance shots that allowed them to edge ahead.

Humboldt State grabbed a 9-8 lead on Alaba's three-pointer, but a baseline drive by Tay Harris put the Golden Eagles back in front. The defensive battle continued until  Cal State L.A. found a way to provide some breathing room, taking an 18-12 lead on Williams' baseline jumper.

HSU managed to cut the lead to two points again before a Hererra power move inside moved the Golden Eagles up by six again.  Nina Conrad's three-pointer kept the surge alive, providing  a 25-16 lead.

Enos was the lone bright spot for the Jacks in the first half, grabbing a rebound off the defensive glass and taking it down the other end for a three-pointer from the top of the key. But  Whittington scored on consecutive possessions to move her team ahead by nine again, and Rachel Ottovich scored inside on consecutive possessions, sending the Golden Eagles into halftime with a 33-20 lead.

HSu tried to show life in the opening minutes of the second half, but the up-tempo strategy continued to work against the Jacks. Cal State L.A. opened up its largest margin at 17 points. That's when HSU head coach Joddie Gleason looked far down her bench to Taylor and Osborne, who provided an immediate spark.

 Osborne quickly came up with a pair of steals and Taylor adding a steal of her own to go along with strong rebounding and putbacks. As the clocked ticked under 15 minutes remaining, the Jacks trimmed the lead to seven on Taylor's layup.

Taylor was fouled on the next possession and hit her free throws before Osborne made another steal and drained a three to make the score 41-39. The Golden Eagles came back with consecutive hoops to move up by six again, and maintained that lead until their final push.

Osborne finished with four steals and only a single turnover in eight minutes of playing time, while Taylor added a team-high eight rebounds in her 11 minutes on the court. Peterson contributed six timely points for the Jacks.

Humboldt State is back on the floor Saturday, taking on the team picked No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll, Cal State Dominguez Hills. TIpoff is set for 5:30 p.m., with the broadcast live on KATA, 1340 AM.