ARCATA, Calif. – Looking to rebound from a difficult opening weekend, Humboldt State women's basketball begins its 2016-17 California Collegiate Athletic Association schedule when it hosts Cal State San Marcos Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. before hosting PacWest Conference member California Baptist Saturday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
 
In the West Region Challenge, the Lumberjacks (0-2) lost their first game to Western Washington 91-49. In the second game, the North Coast squad fell to host Seattle Pacific 67-36.
 
"I learned a great deal about our team this past weekend, both positive and negative," said Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "We played two quality opponents, but we did not become a better basketball team."
 
Cal State San Marcos enters the game with a record of 1-1 following a 77-72 win against Montana State-Billings. The Cougars are led by the scoring duo of Raegan Lillie (13.5 points per game) and Savannah Camp (11.0), while Ashley Jenkins dishes out five assists per game.
 
"San Marcos is a good ball team," said Bento-Jackson. "We are going to have to execute better in our half-court defense to be successful."
 
California Baptist, who started the season ranked No. 2 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Division II Coaches Poll, enters the week with a record of 3-2. The Lancers have a trio of players averaging in double figures: Cassidy Mihalko (20.0 points per game), Kamille Diaz (14.8) and Courtney Nelson (10.8)
 
"I think, in the big picture, playing quality teams is only going to be a positive for us," said Bento-Jackson.  "The quality of talent we see early this season will only make us better, and that's how we are going to look at it."
 
The Jacks conclude their opening homestand when they welcome Holy Names to Lumberjack Arena for a Tuesday, Nov. 22 game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.