ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball team opened its 2024-25 season with a hard-fought 83-75 loss to Alaska Fairbanks at Warrior Arena in Rocklin, California. The Lumberjacks surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Nanooks 32-20, but ultimately couldn't overcome Alaska's steady shooting and physical presence.

In a balanced team effort, junior Dylan Lovett led Cal Poly Humboldt (0-1, 0-0 CCAA) with 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Guard Kaiija Lesane added 15 points while grabbing a team-high seven rebounds. Freshman Kyori Lloyd provided a spark off the bench, tallying 12 points, eight rebounds, and two three-pointers in 19 minutes.

Alaska Fairbanks (1-0, 0-0 GNAC) maintained a strong presence in the paint, scoring 40 points inside and outrebounding Humboldt 37-32. Destiny Reimers led the Nanooks with 20 points and ten rebounds, shooting 9-of-12 from the free-throw line. Kayla Johnson contributed 21 points and six rebounds, helping Alaska build and hold onto a first-half lead.

The Nanooks led 43-29 at halftime, with Cal Poly Humboldt's offense struggling to find rhythm in the first quarter, shooting just 26.3% from the field. However, the Lumberjacks found their groove in the third, cutting Alaska's lead to two points with a strong 11-24 shooting performance. Despite Cal Poly Humboldt's rally, Alaska closed out the game with efficient free-throw shooting in the final period.

The Lumberjacks' high-pressure defense forced 14 Nanook turnovers, converting them into 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Alaska's consistent scoring and strong presence in the paint. Cal Poly Humboldt's bench provided crucial support, accounting for 28 points.

"I think we were a bit suprised to start the game," said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "We did not come out as the aggressors and we dug ourselves a hole. I was proud of how we responded after halftime and got us right back in the game, however, we had some critical defensive errors that cost us. There is a lot to be learned and we will grow from this."

The Lumberjacks will look to bounce back as they prepare to face a tough Alaska Anchorage team on Saturday at noon. 

Box Score Highlights
- Dylan Lovett: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
- Kaiija Lesane: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
- Kyori Lloyd: 12 points, 8 rebounds off the bench
- Second Chance Points: Humboldt 21, Alaska Fairbanks 9
- Points in the Paint: Alaska Fairbanks 40, Humboldt 28