Firebirds Succumb to No. 11 California (PA)

CALIFORNIA, PA – The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team was defeated, 80-59 by host and No. 11 nationally-ranked California University of Pennsylvania in non-regional action from Hamer Hall on Sunday afternoon.

Freshman guard Daeja Quick led the Firebirds (2-8) with 19 points – her 5^th consecutive double-figure scoring game - while also contributing four rebounds and four assists. Freshman guard/forward Danielle Harrington hauled in a team-best six rebounds to go with eight points, and sophomore guard Tyra Coombs gave UDC a lift off the bench with eight points and five rebounds.

Cal U earned its 4^th consecutive win to improve to 9-1 overall courtesy of four double-figure scorers, including a game-high 21 points by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's (PSAC) current leading scorer, Shatara Parsons. The senior forward shot 7-of-14 from the field and 7-of-9 from the foul line while also contributing nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Junior guard Mia Cushon added 19 points, nine rebounds and three steals as well.

The Vulcans opened the game on an 8-2 run before the Firebirds worked the deficit down to 14-11 with 3:14 left in the first quarter. Cal U responded with 10 unanswered points to take a 24-11 lead with 9:08 remaining in the second quarter. The Firebirds then snapped a four-plus minute scoreless streak on the next possession before the Vulcans countered with a 10-2 rally to take a 34-15 lead with 5:52 left before halftime. UDC was able cut the deficit to 42-29 at the break after going five-of-eight from the floor over the last five-plus minutes.

Cal U scored the initial six points of the third quarter to stretch the lead to 48-29 before UDC mounted an 8-2 run to make it a 50-37 contest at the 4:36-mark. The Vulcans then sealed the victory with a 15-8 run after making five-of-six from the floor to stretch the lead to 65-45 with 9:28 left to play. Cal U would score seven-unanswered points midway through the fourth quarter before finishing with an 80-59 victory.

Cal U shot 48-percent (30-of-62) from the floor and converted 86-percent (18-of-21) from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, the Firebirds made 23-of-53 (43-percent) from the field and went 11-of-18 (61-percent) from the charity stripe. The Vulcans held a 37-30 rebounding advantage and forced 25 turnovers in the contest.

Next up, UDC will host Millersville University on Tuesday, December 19^th at 5 p.m.