Despite five players scoring in double figures, San Francisco (7-7, 0-1) fell to Jessica Malone and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (8-6, 1-0) in the West Coast Conference opener for both teams Friday night at War Memorial Gym.

Malone, who scored 27 points and the game-winning three point shot, led all scorers and provided the spark her team needed to get past the Lady Dons. With the win, the Bulldogs win for just the second time in program history at War Memorial Gym and their first since 1989.

Sarah Wanless led the Lady Dons with 13 points. Carey Sauer, Jennifer Madkins, Melanie Turner, and Lindsey Huff scored 10 points each, although Huff played most of the game in foul trouble.

Gonzaga, who trailed 41-33 at the half, went on two separate 7-0 runs, to close the gap to 53-49, and then took the lead 64-60. USF tied the game 69-69 with 48 seconds left in the game, but Malone came right back with a three-point field goal to give Gonzaga the lead, 72-69. Kim Whisler scored on a quick layup with 14 seconds left, and then fouled Celeste Quitiquit, who missed her free throw and gave USF one last opportunity. However, the Lady Dons committed a turnover their 28th, and were called for an intentional foul very shortly after the ensuing throw-in. Quitiquit returned to the free throw line to ice the game for the visiting Bulldogs.

USF continued to do well at the free throw line converting on 22 of 28 attempts. However, they were plagued by turnovers committing their second highest total of the season with 18 in the first half.

The Lady Dons will return to action tomorrow evening, as they host Portland in a West Coast Conference game. Tip-off at War Memorial Gym is scheduled for 7:00 PM.