ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Humboldt State erased a 16-point fourth quarter deficit to come back and win in double overtime. The Lumberjacks (11-11, 8-7) knocked off Sonoma State (8-15, 3-11), 73-64, to earn both the weekend and season sweep.
 
"We saw some huge individual performances this weekend that helped us earn two very difficult wins on the road," said Head Coach Joddie Gleason. "Neika Puryear was clutch in both games, making plays for us down the stretch.  Sophie Northern had her career high and really helped propel us when we were struggling to score.  She has earned her stripes and is no longer playing like a freshman, which is expected at this point in the season.  Riann Thayer made some winning plays at the defensive end that might not show up in the stat line, but were key to our victory.  I could go on and on about all the contributions. It was a great team win tonight over a good Sonoma State team that outplayed us for three quarters."
 
Sophie Northern came off the bench for two big threes in the opening period to help HSU hold a lead after 10 minutes of play, 13-11.
 
Sonoma clawed back in the second to carry a lead into the half, 23-21, and carried that run into the third period. The home team outscored the Jacks 23-9 in the quarter, putting HSU down 16 heading into the final quarter of regulation, 47-31.
 
The Jacks scored 13 of the first 16 points of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit back to single-digits, 50-44. With just under a minute to play, Neika Puryear collected an offensive rebound and promptly nailed a three pointer to tie the game at 53-53. Nobody else would score, pushing Humboldt State to its second overtime game of the season.
 
Northern opened the overtime period with her fifth three pointer to give HSU it's first lead since the second quarter. The freshman would finish with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting and five made threes.
 
After four straight points by the home team, Kiana Brown hit a jumper to give HSU the lead again, 58-57. Despite the edge, neither team could break away, forcing a second overtime at 61 apiece.
 
Brown came out in the second overtime session firing. The sophomore transfer scored the first five points of the period. Puryear followed with a three of her own to put the Jacks up eight, 69-61 with 1:20 to play. The lead held, and the Green and Gold picked up the win, 73-64.
 
"Getting two overtime wins is a huge boost for us as we grind it out and continue to work for our spot in the conference tournament," said Gleason. "We have five games left and will continue to fight to secure the highest seed possible."
 
A'Jaee Foster led the Lumberjacks in both scoring and rebounding with her 18 point, eight rebound performance. Brown finished with 15 and Puryear scored 12.
 
The Jacks return home to the North Coast to host Cal State East Bay and Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday and Friday, respectively. During halftime of the men's game on Feb. 11, Humboldt State will recognize student athlete with high academic achievement from the previous year. The annual Play 4 Kay Breast Cancer awareness pink game will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13.