MERCED, Calif. - Coming into Saturday night's game against the Red Hawks, UC Merced's women's basketball team had won 11 straight games including four consecutive conference games. Enter Red Hawks; as Simpson University records the 71-63 victory on enemy grounds.

SU's half court defense continues to be it's number one strength, holding the Bobcats to just 33 percent shooting from the field for the game. Despite some sloppy play, the Red Hawks tallied one of their best shooting nights of the season, up above 53 percent.

Estela Gutierrez led the way offensively once again for Simpson, running the attack with five assists to go along with a game-high 24 points. Gutierrez got lots of help however as Whitney Armstrong, Madison Cox, and Shayla Smothers all finished in double figures. Armstrong's on-ball defense was also vital on the Cal Pac's top scorer Mia Belvin, holding her to just 6-16 from the floor on the night.

Precious Jackson also provided big minutes off the bench notching a game-high 11 rebounds in 25 minutes of action.

With the win, Simpson knocks off the top team in the conference standings and now moves into a tie for first place with Antelope Valley at 4-1 overall.The Red Hawks will be back in action on Thursday, January 17th to play for 1st sole possession place against Antelope Valley in Lancaster, Calif at 5:30 pm.