Jan. 24, 2003

(San Francisco) - San Diego used big nights from their post players to secure a 61-57 victory against San Francisco Friday in West Coast Conference women's basketball action at War Memorial Gym. USF (6-12, 1-3 WCC) drops their third consecutive league game, while USD (8-9, 2-2 WCC) earns their first victory in San Francisco since sweeping the series in 2000.

Junior forward Carey Sauer continued her hot shooting after registering a career-high 32 at Portland last Saturday and looked well on her way to challenging the mark with 16 points in the first half, while connecting on all four of her 3-point attempts. Sauer staked the Lady Dons to a 35-28 lead at the half.

San Diego pounded the ball in the post to start the second half and USF's interior defense did little to stop it as the Toreros outscored USF 12-6 in the early going of the second half to tie the game at 13:41. The lead change hands for the last time at the 11:57 mark and although they pulled to within one point twice, the last with 2:54 remaining, San Francisco could not get over the hump.

Sauer finished with 20 points to go along with eight rebounds. Sophomore center Leeane Jensen scored 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds for the Lady Dons. Freshman guard Joy Hollingsworth scored 11 points off the bench.

San Diego held a dominating 30-10 scoring advantage in the paint and a 39-34 rebounding edge. Senior center Erin Malich scored a team-high 19 points off the bench, while junior guard Marie Plocher added 12 and completed the double-double night with a game-high 10 rebounds. Junior center Marta Menuez added nine points for the Toreros.

USF shot .242 (8-33) from the field in the second half and finished the nigh at .344 (21-61). The Toreros were potent throughout, converting on .434 (25-53) from the floor for the game.

San Francisco continues WCC play Saturday when they host Santa Clara. Game time against the Broncos is scheduled for 7:00 PM at War Memorial Gym.