MERCED, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball heads into the Central Valley this week for a pair of CCAA road contests, opening the trip Thursday, Feb. 5 at UC Merced with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off before closing the weekend Saturday, Feb. 7 at Stanislaus State at 1:00 p.m.

The Lumberjacks enter the week at 12-8 overall and 10-4 in CCAA play following a challenging Southern California road swing. Despite back-to-back losses, Humboldt remains firmly in the CCAA playoff picture as it looks to regain momentum against two conference opponents.

LAST TIME OUT

Humboldt dropped its first game of the weekend Thursday night at Cal State Los Angeles, falling 74-47 after the Golden Eagles jumped out to an early lead. Cal State LA knocked down six first-quarter three-pointers to set the tone, while Humboldt struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. Sienna Cherwinski led the Lumberjacks with 12 points, and Jordyn Smith added nine points and eight rebounds as Humboldt closed strong in the fourth quarter but could not overcome the early deficit.

The Lumberjacks responded with a gritty effort Saturday afternoon at Cal State Dominguez Hills but came up just short in a 51-49 loss inside the Torodome. Humboldt trailed by nine at halftime before clamping down defensively, holding the Toros to just seven points in the third quarter. Cherwinski again led the way with 12 points, while Shade Satica posted 11 points and eight rebounds. Smith anchored the paint with nine points, a game-high 13 rebounds, and six blocks. Humboldt had multiple chances in the closing seconds to force overtime, but Dominguez Hills' defense held firm.

CENTRAL VALLEY CHALLENGE AT UC MERCED

Humboldt opens the trip Thursday night at UC Merced (7-14, 4-10 CCAA), a squad looking to defend its home floor and climb the conference standings. The Bobcats have shown flashes throughout CCAA play and will aim to control tempo against a Humboldt team known for its interior defense and rebounding presence.

For the Lumberjacks, the matchup presents an opportunity to reset offensively while leaning on their defensive identity. Humboldt has consistently competed in close games this season and will look to establish rhythm early as it seeks to return to the win column. Back in December, the 'Jacks defeated UC Merced in Lumberjack Arena and scored their season-high in the victory, 94-55.

SATURDAY SHOWDOWN AT STANISLAUS STATE

The weekend concludes Saturday afternoon at Stanislaus State (2-15, 1-13 CCAA) as Humboldt looks to close the road swing on a strong note. The Warriors will look to play spoiler at home, while the Lumberjacks aim to capitalize on their depth and defensive pressure.

Humboldt will look to rely on its rebounding advantage, rim protection, and balanced scoring as it plays its second road game in three days. With conference positioning tightening towards the top, Saturday's matchup offers an important chance to secure another CCAA victory before the homestand next week. Earlier this season, Humboldt opened conference play against the Warriors at home and defeated them with a final score of 69-57. 

HOW TO TUNE IN

Thursday at UC Merced: Watch – Listen on ESPN Radio – Live Stats

Saturday at Stanislaus State: Watch – Listen on ESPN Radio – Live Stats

UP NEXT

Following the Central Valley trip, Cal Poly Humboldt returns home to continue CCAA play as the Lumberjacks push toward the final weeks of the regular season.

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.

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