ARCATA – The start of California Collegiate Athletic Association conference action is always exciting for Humboldt State, but to say its close 57-54 victory over Sonoma State was exciting is being modest. Lisa Petty sunk two free throw shots with 0:00.3 left on the clock to give the Jacks a three-point cushion and the Seawolves no hope of tying the game up.

With the victory, Humboldt State continues its winning streak to 4-0 and starts CCAA on the right foot at 1-0. Sonoma State drops to 1-1 on the season, 0-1 in conference play.

"We kind of had a feeling it was going to come down to the last seconds, it was just about execution at the end," said Petty. "We had been having trouble with our free throws, but we went 100-percent at the end so that was good. We're all pretty pumped right now."

Petty led the Jacks with her game-high 15 points and game-high eight rebounds, but she's not about to take all the credit for it. 

"We don't really focus on who gets the most points, it just kind of happens, but it is kind of exciting," said Petty. "We mainly focus on getting everyone the ball. Coach said in the locker room, 'We don't really care who scores as long as they have Humboldt on their jersey.'"

The Jacks had a sluggish start with their scoring, not getting a point during the run of play until eight minutes into the contest. Humboldt State found itself trailing by eight halfway into the first half, but quickly turned it around and even led the Seawolves by four. Sonoma State was not ready to give up the fight and tied the game at 28-28 heading into halftime.

"I felt like we did a nice job defensively to not allow them to get too comfortable," said head coach Joddie Gleason. "Sonoma is a great offensive team in the fact that they run their stuff very well, they're very disciplined and execute well. I felt like we made them uncomfortable at times and got them out of their offense at times."

Despite Sonoma State having a slight edge in size over Humboldt State, the Jacks were able to hold their own in the rebounding game, grabbing 34 to the Seawolves' 32 rebounds.

"This is the game where you have to work and make sure you get stops, and in order to get those stops you have to rebound," said Gleason. "That team is bigger than us at most positions during most of the game, so to out-rebound them is a huge plus for us."

Right behind Petty in rebounds was Bree Halsey with seven, with Whitney Howard and Lexxi Price each adding five more. Price played well for the Jacks, grabbing 10 points and three steals on the night. Howard and Kayla Williams each registered eight points, both finishing crucial opportunities as the game was winding down.

"It's easy to get really excited and then really down when they go on a run," said Petty. "It's just about staying focused. We all huddle up and just say, 'Let's go, let's get it' to get us ready mentally."

Neither team led by more than six points in the second half, no more than three in the last two minutes. The Seawolves would not let the Jacks have it and held on to the last seconds. Sonoma State had an opportunity to go ahead with the score at 53-52 in favor of HSU and just 16 seconds left in the game, but Caitie Richards made a key defensive stop to put Humboldt State back in possession of the ball. Richards then completed her two free throws to put the score at 55-52.

"We have a veteran team that's been through close games before and I thought we executed down the stretch and made our free throws count," said Gleason. "Caitie made a huge defensive stop and then hit her free throws, two game-winning basketball plays. That's what you have to do."

SSU, who was led by Aly Henington with 10 points and five rebounds, brought the score within one point once again. The Seawolves, desperate to get the ball back, fouled the Jacks to send Petty to the line. Petty finished her free throws to end the game at 57-54.

Humboldt State travels to defending CCAA Champions Cal State Monterey Bay Friday before the Jacks take on Cal State East Bay on Saturday.

"We have a tough road trip next week of Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State East Bay," said Gleason. "It seems like we get dealt the opportunity to take on the defending conference champion in our opening week the past three years. It's going to be a challenge for us, but we're ready and excited for it. It's good to get this first conference win under our belts, and we'll continue to improve and continue to work."