ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – In the same California Collegiate Athletic Association road trip that resulted in a pair of late defeats a year ago, Humboldt State completed a conference-opening sweep of the same trip Saturday night. Behind A'Jaee Foster's 15 points and 20 rebounds, the Lumberjacks posted a 61-49 women's basketball victory over the rival Seawolves of Sonoma State.
 
HSU (6-1/2-0 CCAA) outscored Sonoma State, 14-5, in the final six minutes of the first half to take a 31-26 halftime advantage. Foster scored six of her 12 second-half points in the first eight minutes to help the Jacks record a 13-4 start of the second period for a 44-30 lead. The HSU run propelled it to the 12-points, 61-49, league win over the Seawolves (1-4/0-2 CCAA).
 
"I am the happiest tonight with the fact that while on offense, we weren't clicking, we continued to defend. We showed we can win with defense and not just offense," said HSU Head Coach Joddie Gleason.
 
The HSU defense allowed a season-low 49 points to Sonoma State. The Jacks' defenders held the home team to 19-of-57 from the floor and forced 20 turnovers.
 
HSU's defensive unit also held San Francisco State to 57 points in a 73-57 Friday night win.
 
Foster and the HSU inside players dominated the offensive boards. Foster pulled down 11 of the squad's 17 offensive rebounds and the visitors won the overall battle on the boards, 46-41.
 
"We struggled from the perimeter and free throws, but we were able to capitalize on missed shots and put backs. We had success feeding Megan (Shields) and A'Jaee (Foster) at the block," said Gleason.
 
Along with her season-high 20 rebounds, Foster tied a team-best 15 points. She also led the squad with five assists and swiped two passes.
 
"Coach was telling me to get out there and board 'Beast Mode'. I want to be a team player. If I am not scoring, I am going to rebound," said Foster. "(As a team) we want to stay focused and play every game day-by-day and not be happy where we are at."
 
Shields connected on 7-of-11 attempts from the floor for 15 points of her own. She also grabbed four rebounds, all defensive boards.
 
HSU's rebounding was not the only key to victory Saturday night. For the second night in a row, the Jacks took care of the ball to the tune of 15 assists to only 12 turnovers.
 
"We did a great job on turnovers," said the HSU coach. "We executed and took good shots and we didn't give up points off layups. Our goal is to be a plus five in the turnover margin each game."
 
Point guard Kersey Wilcox dished out four assists to only one turnover, while she scored two points.
 
Jae Shin hit 3-of-6 shots for nine points and stole two balls.
 
Dani Gaumer contributed seven rebounds with five on the defensive end. She also netted three points and assisted on two baskets. Amanda Kunst chipped in four points and pulled down four rebounds.
 
HSU enjoyed 15-point leads three times midway through the second period. Foster gave the Jacks their biggest margin of 17 points, 54-37, with 8:36 remaining after an offensive rebound and two ensuing foul shots.
 
Sonoma State tried to make one final push. It pulled to within 10 points, 57-47, with 4:14 left. Gaumer made a layup and Foster converted two foul shots and stopped any Seawolves' possible comeback attempt over the next two minutes.
 
HSU returns home to begin its CCAA travel partner series next Saturday. The Jacks will host Cal State San Bernardino in a 7 p.m. game at Lumberjack Arena.