WBB | Foy and Johnson Combine For 25 Points in Opening Night Defeat To Cal

Gaels Drop Season Opener, 66-52, Despite Strong Performances

The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (0-1) opened its 2022-23 season with a 66-52 loss to the University of California, Berkeley (1-0) on Monday night at University Credit Union Pavilion.

Despite a strong performance from redshirt junior Madeline Foy and sophomore Taycee Johnson, the Gaels were unable to overcome a slow start and a hot-shooting night from the Golden Bears.

Foy, Johnson Lead Gaels in Scoring

Foy, a 6-foot-2 forward, led the Gaels with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Johnson, a 5-foot-10 guard, added 12 points and three assists.

As a team, Saint Mary's shot just 32.8% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range. Cal, meanwhile, shot 46.3% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.

Slow Start Dooms Gaels

The Gaels fell behind early and were never able to recover. Cal jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game and led by as many as 18 points in the first half.

Saint Mary's was able to cut the lead to 10 points in the second half, but the Golden Bears pulled away late to secure the victory.

Tough Test For Young Gaels

The loss is a tough one for the Gaels, who are a young team with only two seniors on the roster.

However, head coach Paul Thomas said he was encouraged by his team's effort and believes they will improve as the season progresses.

What's Next?

The Gaels will return to action on Thursday, Nov. 10, when they host the University of San Francisco at University Credit Union Pavilion.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.