Humboldt women's basketball stays undefeated in conference play

Cal Poly Humboldt continued a dominant run in CCAA play on Jan. 8, beating San Francisco State 63-52 at the San Francisco Federal Credit Union Gym at Don Nasser Family Plaza. The Lumberjacks improved to 9-4 overall and a perfect 7-0 in conference action, their best CCAA start since 2014, while extending a season-long six-game winning streak, the program's longest since 2019.

Humboldt set the tone early, opening the game 16-13 before breaking the contest open in the second quarter. The Lumberjacks shot nearly 59 percent from the field in that period, outscoring the Gators 23-10 and taking a 39-23 lead into the half. Humboldt manufactured advantage on defense and the boards, forcing 20 turnovers and converting those miscues into 18 points. The Jacks also dominated inside, scoring 34 points in the paint, and held San Francisco State to just 12 combined points in the third quarter.

Freshman center Jordyn Smith anchored the effort with her seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds while contributing two steals and a block. The offensive load was balanced: three Lumberjacks scored 12 points, including Shade Satica and Kyori Lloyd. Depth played a key role too, as Kya Kanoho and Leamsi Acuna combined for 16 bench points and the team finished with 20 off the bench. San Francisco State made a late charge, outscoring Humboldt 17-7 in the fourth quarter, but the earlier defensive work and rebounding margin preserved the victory.

For Humboldt County, the streak is about more than standings. Local wins fuel campus morale in Arcata and beyond, drive student engagement, and spotlight the importance of investment in women's athletics. Success on the court can translate into community health benefits by encouraging physical activity, strengthening social ties, and supporting student-athlete mental health through the confidence and structure sports provide. Those benefits depend on equitable access to training, sports medicine, and academic support for athletes balancing classroom and competition demands.

Looking ahead, Humboldt was set to travel to Cal State East Bay on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Hayward. Continued success will test the depth of the roster and the resilience of student-athletes as the conference slate tightens.

Our two cents? Show up for the 'Jacks, back the players with your presence and support, and push for the resources that keep athletes healthy on and off the floor, because wins matter for both community pride and student wellbeing.