FULLERTON, Calif. - Coming off a regional appearance last season, the women's basketball team dropped its season opener tonight against Hope International, 76-64.
The Red Hawks dominated the first five minutes of the year as they outscored the Royals 10-0. Carlesia Adams knocked down the first two field goals of the game before Senaida Barrientos, Jessie Slade, and Brooke Quintana each added buckets.
However, the Royals stormed back, outscoring the Red Hawks 17-4 to take a 17-14 lead, with Amira Austin and Aaliyah Perez-Sandi each posting six points.
A layup by Taylor Sutherland and a pair of free throws from Emiliana Bejarano pulled Simpson within five before a layup by Austin extended Hope's lead to seven as they went into the half up 39-32.
The Royals created some breathing room in the third quarter as they outscored Simpson 19-13 and grew their lead to 17 points on a layup by Austin with three and a half minutes left in the quarter.
The lead proved too large for the Red Hawks as they fell 76-64, despite a strong fourth quarter by Monet Dunham, who led the team with five points and three rebounds.
Taylor Sutherland had a strong debut for the Red Hawks, leading the team with 12 points and 10 rebounds to post a double-double.
Senaida Barrientos rounded out the double-digit scorers, posting 10 points. Norma Tulua and Monet Dunham each had a big game off the bench, combining for 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Red Hawks are back in action on Saturday as they take on Life Pacific at noon.
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