A perfect Cinderella a Story

While ending the season with a superb home record of 10 wins and 3 loses, the 49ers struggled on the road all season long. This was the main reason why the team was the 7th seed going into the Big West tournament. Many doubted them because they were now going into the tournament facing their first opponent on the road where they have struggled season long. Their first opponent was Cal State Northridge, a team which they battled with during the season. The previous meeting between these two teams was decided by a thrilling double overtime victory by the 49ers. This game was going to be a really tough game to win especially on the road. Going into the tournament as the 7th seed, the niners were here to put up a fight. In game 1 they outlasted and defeated Cal State Northridge 57052. Following game 1 was another victory over Cal Poly by a score of 51-48. Everyone's attention was on Cal State Long Beach. The team that went into the tournament as the number 7seed stunned everyone by making it to the championship game. The magical run made Cal State Long Beach the first team in Big West history to know off the number 1 and 2 seed to advance to the title game. During the championship game the 49ers put up a fight against the guchos. The game consisted of runs by both teams. UC Santa Barbara ended the half by having a 21-20 over the 49ers. As the second had started, both teams started off ice cold. The first basket was scored by the guachos with 17 minutes left. Following the basket was a 14-6 run by the gauchos. The 49ers were not going home without a fight. Therefore, Long Beach responded and took a 39-38 lead with 8 minutes to play. Both teams were trading baskets back and forth until UC Santa Barbara outlasted the niners by a final score of 63-54. Even though Long Beach did not win the Big West title the players have made everyone proud. Especially their 3rd year head coach Jody Wynn who stated "As a coach staff, we are very proud of what this team has accomplished." This historical Cinderella run is now in the history books and will be remembered by all. What a thrilling run it was for the women's basketball team.

Kin 338i
Nancy Dinh
(W) 4-6:45pm