by Kaylon Coleman

The day was meant for love, but the Lumberjacks left Gators fans broken-hearted after their dual victory over San Francisco State University (SFSU). Both games took place on Feb. 14 in the Lumberjack Arena, resulting in a 61-53 point outcome for the women and a final score of 72-60 for the men. Although the game was held on Valentine’s Day, the theme of the event was Breast Cancer Awareness, promoting a gift basket at the door for those sporting pink.

The women’s game kicked off the event and the Jacks started off strong. With a forward facing momentum from the jump, the Jacks maintained their advantage and never allowed a lead shift throughout the match. The win against SFSU not only propelled the Lumberjacks to a 16-8 season overall, but resulted in the team clinching a spot in the California Conference Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2020.

When asked about their victory against the Gators, sophomore guard Riley Sanz reflected on how it was a hard fought battle resulting in a tough win. Although emotions were running rampant after the team clinched their tournament spot, Sanz mirrored the same, “won the battle, not the war,” mindset.

“I mean, obviously, it’s a great feeling to get that clinch into the playoffs, but obviously our goal is much bigger,” Sanz said. “So, just getting some good practices in these next couple days and then going on the road on Wednesday and hopefully picking up those two wins.”

Sanz cited their team’s aggression and relentless effort, both defensively and offensively, as the crux of what other teams should worry about.

“We’re just aggressive,” Sanz said. “I think we’re more aggressive than any team, and I think we play harder than anybody in the conference tournament for sure.”

There are only four games left until the CCAA basketball tournament, beginning on Feb. 19 at Cal State San Bernardino. The last game of the regular season will take place at Lumberjack Arena against Cal State San Marcos on Feb. 28, admission free for students. 

Kaylon Coleman is a senior journalism major with a concentration in news and a minor in communications. He is the life and arts editor for LJ and vice president of the Black Student Union, Marketing and Communications lead for the Umoja Center and a part-time radio DJ and merch manager for KRFH. If you have a topic you want him to discuss, email him at kc403@humboldt.edu.