Northridge Women Fall to Pacific in Initial Outing Since Earthquake

The Cal State Northridge women’s basketball team, playing its first game since the Jan. 17 earthquake, lost to Pacific, 73-52, Tuesday night.

Forward Shannon Crouse did not make the trip because of severe damage to her dormitory and the Matadors felt her absence. Starting forwards Carrie Dormire and Katina Mines combined for 13 points and eight rebounds.

Northridge struggled in the first half, shooting 27% from the field, and trailed at halftime, 36-20.

Michelle Esparza led Northridge with 14 points.

Pacific (9-5) was not an uncharitable host. The Tigers donated shoes to the Matadors because several players gave their shoes to victims immediately after the earthquake.

“Pacific has been very supportive in helping us since Sunday, giving us time and whatever we need,” Northridge Coach Kim Chandler said.

The Matadors (2-15) could not stop Paloma Morianna (11 rebounds) on the boards and couldn’t contain hot-shooting guard Karen Vesecky, who scored 18 points and made all eight shots she took.

With the CSUN campus barricaded, Chandler arranged for the team to fly to Stockton a day early to get extra practice time. Players stayed with their families for most of the week.

Donations for the Red Cross were taken at the game. The Matadors play at San Francisco tonight before returning to Northridge on Thursday.