ARCATA, Calif. - Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball returns to Lumberjack Arena for the new year, as the Lumberjacks host Cal State Dominguez Hills in a CCAA matchup scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff today, Friday, Jan 2 as well as Cal State Los Angeles at1 p.m. on Jan. 4. Friday will celebrate Hometown Heroes Night (free admission for local first responders, military personnel, and community heroes) while Sunday will be Youth/Camper Day (free general admission for kids and campers - postgame autographs).  

Humboldt enters the contest riding significant momentum, having won six of its last seven games dating back to Nov. 29. The Jacks' only defeat during that stretch came by three points, and they have won their last three games by double digits. At 4-0 in CCAA play, Humboldt is off to its best conference start in more than a decade. 

LAST TIME OUT 

The Lumberjacks extended their unbeaten conference run with a pair of road victories before the holiday break, defeating Cal State San Marcos 76-65 and Cal State Monterey Bay 62-49. 

Against San Marcos, Humboldt overcame a slow start after scoring just five points in the opening quarter, responding by outscoring the Cougars by 21 points over the final three periods. Kyori Lloyd gave electricity off the bench, pouring in a season-high in scoring (23) on 67% shooting while going 10-for-12 from the free-throw line. Jordyn Smith recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and 12 rebounds, adding five blocks to anchor the defense as the CCAA block leader. Shade Satica and Riley Sanz each scored 10 points as Humboldt forced 28 turnovers and turned those trunovers into 25 points. 

The following afternoon, the Jacks delivered a wire-to-wire defensive performance against Monterey Bay, jumping out to a 20-8 first-quarter lead and building a 39-15 halftime advantage. Humboldt held the Otters to just 32.8 percent shooting and scored 27 points off turnovers. Satica led all scorers with 16 points to go along with four steals, while Sanz added 14 points and knocked down all three of her three-point attempts. Smith controlled the paint with 10 rebounds and five blocks, and Sienna Cherwinski contributed 10 points while playing all 40 minutes. 

Across the two wins, Humboldt showcased its defensive depth, forcing a combined 56 turnovers while holding both opponents under 66 points. 

DOMINATING DOMINGUEZ HILLS 

Cal State Dominguez Hills (2-7, 2-2 CCAA) comes to Arcata looking to challenge a Humboldt squad that has leaned heavily on defensive pressure and balanced scoring during its recent surge. The Toros have had recent success against the 'Jacks, winning eight of the last nine games in the matchup. Humboldt is 12-4 at home against Cal State Dominguez Hills, a team that went to the NCAA DII National Championship last season, so the Lumberjacks will lean on their home court advantage to keep their conference win streak alive. 

NO LOSS VS. LOS ANGELES 

Cal State Los Angeles (6-3, 3-1 CCAA) has also found nothing but success both this season and against Humboldt, winning their last two games by 20+ and their last eight matchups against the Lumberjacks. Los Angeles has scored 80+ points in their last two matchups, which makes for a clash between a red-hot offense and a stellar, shutdown defense in the 'Jacks. Humboldt will look to prevail as the immovable object in this one. 

The Jacks will look to continue getting production from their bench and apply defensive pressure in both the perimeter and paint, which has been crucial throughout their current run. Both matches offer Humboldt an opportunity to remain undefeated in CCAA play and extend its winning streak to four and five. With conference standings beginning to take shape, the 'Jacks aim to carry momentum into the heart of league play. 

HOW TO TUNE IN

Friday vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills: Watch - Listen on ESPN Radio - Live Stats - Tickets

Sunday vs. Cal State Los Angeles: Watch - Listen on ESPN Radio - Live Stats - Tickets 

UP NEXT 

Next week, the 'Jacks will hit the road south towards the Bay Area for a couple CCAA matchups against San Francisco State at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 and Cal State East Bay at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. 

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

Instagram: @humboldt.athletics

Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks