ARCATA, Calif. – For the first time since the 2015-16 season, the Humboldt State women's basketball team has earned a spot in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament and the Lumberjacks will host Cal State East Bay Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson has performed a dramatic turnaround for the conference's No. 3 seeded Jacks. The North Coast team went 7-13 in CCAA play last season and improved that total by seven wins this year.

"I don't know if I expected us to be playing in the conference tournament, but usually there is a significant difference from year one to year two," said Bento-Jackson. "We have 11 returners from last year and expectations were set for this year's team. We were picked 10th in the conference and we finished third, which is a huge improvement."

East Bay has been off since last Thursday, but has won three consecutive games to conclude the regular season. Morgan Greene leads the Pioneers averaging 16.0 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, and she has compiled a team-best 19 double-doubles. Greene scored 22 points and has 13 rebounds in East Bay's 76-73 overtime loss earlier this season in Lumberjack Arena.

"They present a lot of challenges for us. They have great inside play with Morgan Greene, and she has a supporting cast capable of being offensive threats as well," said Bento-Jackson. "We have to bring our A-game and play 40 minutes without lulls or East Bay will exploit us. At this time of the year both teams are familiar with each other from a personnel and playing style standpoint. We need to limit our defensive mistakes as much as possible to put us in position to win this game."

Jovannah Arrington sank the game-winning trey against the Pioneers in the Feb. 1 meeting. HSU trailed by 12 at the half, but rallied in the second half to force overtime. Tyla Turner led Green and Gold scorers with 23 points in the win.

HSU women's basketball has not hosted a postseason game since the 2015-16 season. Coincidentally, the Jacks welcomed the Pioneers to Lumberjack Arena in a game that went the visitor's way by a score of 57-51.

"We ask all Humboldt State community to come out and support us," said Bento-Jackson. "Our team has worked extremely hard all season to put us in the position to host in the playoffs. We want a good showing to support our girls in their last game in Lumberjack Arena."

Tickets for Tuesday's game are still available and fans can purchase them at the doors. If you have questions regarding tickets please call Kelly Kime at 707-826-4529.