• Box Score
• Photo Gallery

CALIFORNIA (Jan. 12) – The Vulcans had a chance to send the game into overtime as sophomore guard Stephanie Michael (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) attempted a three-pointer at the buzzer, but Fighting Scot guard Micki Cerchiaro deflected the attempt to seal the victory for Edinboro, 62-59, in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West opener for both teams.

The loss drops Cal U to 9-4 on the season despite double-doubles from forwards Amy Johns (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport) and Kayla Smith (Elkins, W.Va./Elkins). Meanwhile, Edinboro improves to 10-3. Entering the contest, the Vulcans had defeated the Fighting Scots in 18 of their last 20 meetings.

Smith lead the Vulcans with 26 points, while going 9-of-14 from the field and 8-of-12 from free-throw line. She also pulled down 14 boards, collected four steals, and blocked two shots. Johns added 14 points and collected 11 rebounds with four steals in the loss.

The Fighting Scots opened the game with a 16-2 lead after capitalizing on five Vulcan turnovers in the first eight minutes of the game. Cal U was able to close the deficit to 23-22 with 5:33 remaining before Edinboro closed out the half out-scoring the Vulcans by a 10-2 margin to take an eight point lead into the locker room, 33-25.

Edinboro was able to extend its lead to 11 points with 12:44 remaining in the second half before the Vulcans made their run. Behind 27 combined second-half points from Smith and Johns, Cal U was able to cut the Fighting Scot lead to 47-46 over the next four minutes. The Vulcans continued to battle and took their first lead of the game, 56-55, when Johns connected on two foul shots with 2:53 remaining in the contest. Edinboro then ended the final minute of the game on a 7-3 run to pick up the conference victory.

Despite out-rebounding Edinboro (46-29), the Vulcans committed a season-high 35 turnovers.

Edinboro guard Kiara Brown, who played fort the Vulcans last year, registered 17 points on 5-of-14 from the floor and six free-throws. Cerchiaro added 15 points, eight rebounds, six steals and four assists in the victory.

Cal U returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 15, when it travels to Erie, Pa. to face Mercyhurst at 1p.m. The Vulcans were victorious in both meetings last season against the Lakers.