IRVINE, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball earned its first victory of the season in thrilling fashion, defeating Concordia University Irvine (CUI) 81-75 in overtime at CU Arena on Saturday afternoon. The win moves the Lumberjacks to 1-2 on the season.  

Key Performances Propel Humboldt to Victory
Kaiija Lesane anchored the Lumberjacks with a dominant performance, posting a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds while shooting 6-of-8 from the free-throw line. Coming off the bench, Kyori Lloyd made a significant impact with 15 points and eight rebounds, providing a spark when the game tightened.  

Dylan Lovett added an efficient 14 points, connecting on 6-of-8 from the field, including two critical three-pointers. Guard Dailani Richardson also contributed 12 points, highlighted by a pair of clutch three-pointers in the second half to keep Humboldt in contention.  

Game Summary
The game featured a back-and-forth battle with eight lead changes and five ties. Cal Poly Humboldt started strong, shooting 47.1% from the field in the first quarter to claim a 23-18 lead. Concordia battled back in the second, tying the game at halftime, 40-40, behind Izzy Navarro's game-high 25 points.  

In the third quarter, CUI surged ahead with a 20-16 advantage, but the Lumberjacks' resilience showed in the final period. Down four entering the fourth, Humboldt's defense tightened, holding CUI to just 13 points and forcing key turnovers.  

Overtime saw the Lumberjacks take control, outscoring the Eagles 12-6. Humboldt shot 66.7% in the extra period, with Dylan Lovett and Andjela Pavicevic combining for nine of the team's points.  

Statistical Highlights
- Rebounding Dominance: Humboldt outrebounded Concordia 42-28, with Lesane and Lloyd leading the charge.  
- Bench Contributions: Humboldt's bench outscored CUI's 31-7, with Lloyd leading the reserves.  
- Defensive Intensity: The Lumberjacks forced 17 turnovers, scoring 16 points off those opportunities.  

Coach's Corner
"It's nice to get the road win tonight," said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "A lot of different scenarios were presented to us tonight and for it being so early in the season in addition to so many new players, I was very proud of our execution. I threw new things at our team tonight on both ends of the floor and they adjusted and executed many times. We are certainly a work in progress but we took some baby steps forward tonight. Now, we need to continue to build and improve."

Up Next
Cal Poly Humboldt returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 19, traveling to face Azusa Pacific at 5:00 PM at the Felix Events Center. Fans can watch live here, listen on Humboldt Sports Radio, ESPN 107.3, or follow the live stats here.