Box Score
Jamie Tabon guided Pitt-Johnstown against California University (Pa.) with a team-leading 20 points and nine rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the No. 8 team in the country's aggressive defense as the Lady Cats were defeated 78-57 Wednesday night at the Sports Center in Johnstown.

It was a defensive struggle in the early goings as only two baskets were made in the first period's first four minutes, both by California. Precious Martin hit a jumper at 8:50 and Miki Glenn made a layup at 6:47 to put the Lady Vulcans ahead by four points, which gave them they advantage for the rest of the period.

The Lady Cats were able to tie the game at six and nine points before a layup by Karington Ketterer off of an assist from Tabon gave Pitt-Johnstown its first lead, 11-10 at 1:07 in the period. A three-pointer by Abbey Sporio with 53 seconds led California to a 15-13 edge to start the next quarter.

Pitt-Johnstown, who dropped to 6-10 overall and 2-8 in conference play with the loss, was able to keep their deficit down to within six points until both Glenn Sporio made baskets to put the Lady Vulcans ahead, 24-17 four minutes into the period, which also ignited a 17-point run that last six minutes and made gave California a 37-17 advantage.

Tabon made a layup with 26 seconds left to cut the difference to 18 points before the break. California was able to steal the ball six times during the second quarter and also out stole UPJ 21-2 throughout the game.

The Lady Cats also turned the ball over 30 times compared to the Lady Vulcans 14 turnovers. Pitt-Johnstown's leading scorer and rebounder Olivia McCabe was held to just four points and eight rebounds

Pitt-Johnstown was able to trim their deficit to 11 points by outscoring California 12-5 in just under five minutes to start the second half. The Lady Vulcans responded to the comeback by going on a 7-point run, giving them a 49-31 edge with 3:45 left in the period after a pair of free throws by Shatara Parsons.

Both teams traded baskets to end the quarter in favor of California, 58-39. Their lead did not drop under 14 points throughout the final quarter, closing the game out with a 21-point victory. Parsons recorded a double-double with a game-high 22 points and ten rebounds for California, advancing to 15-1 overall and 8-1 conference play.

The Lady Cats are to embark on a two-game road trip against PSAC West Divisional opponents, beginning Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. against Mercyhurst University and ending Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. against Slippery Rock University. Both games are to kick off doubleheaders with the men's team.