Returning to action following an overtime victory at Edinboro earlier in the week, the No. 5 Gannon women's basketball team delivered another dominant performance Saturday afternoon, cruising to an 82–46 victory over California (Pa.) inside the Convocation Center.

Defense once again set the tone for the Golden Knights, who limited the Vulcans to just 16 points in the first half while building a commanding lead they would never relinquish.

Gannon improved to 16–1 overall and 8–0 in PSAC West play, extending its winning streak to 15 games.

Gannon entered the contest ranked first in Division II in scoring defense, allowing just 48.3 points per game, and the Golden Knights reinforced that ranking by forcing 20 turnovers, recording 11 steals, and converting those miscues into 24 points off turnovers.

Cleve Wright's squad controlled the game from the opening tip, leading 23–9 after the first quarter and 41–16 at halftime. The Golden Knights continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, never allowing the Vulcans to threaten as Gannon rolled to the road victory. 

With the win, the Golden Knights extended Cal's losing streak to three games. California (Pa.) fell to 8–11 overall and 4–4 in PSAC play, respectively. 

THE GAME FACTS

• Score: No. 5 Gannon 82, California (Pa.) 46
• Records: Gannon 16–1 (8–0 PSAC West) | California (Pa.) 8–11 (4–4 PSAC)
• Location: Convocation Center – California, Pa.
• Date: January 10, 2026

THE KNIGHT CAP

• Gannon held California (Pa.) to 16 first-half points
• Golden Knights forced 20 turnovers and recorded 11 steals
• Gannon scored 24 points off turnovers
• Golden Knights shot 57.2% from the field and 55.6% from three-point range
• Gannon finished a perfect 13-for-13 at the free-throw line
• Golden Knights won the rebounding battle 41–15
• Gannon's bench produced 22 points
• Golden Knights outscored the Vulcans 42-24 in the paint
• Kate Ratliff (Canal Winchester, Ohio/Canal Winchester) led all scorers with a season-high 20 points and added eight rebounds
• Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) totaled 18 points and three steals
• Mia Slater (Canberra, Australia/Canberra Grammar School) chipped in 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds
• Tori Mayes (Lake City, Pa./Cathedral Prep) and Claxon each recorded three steals
• Gannon remains 8–0 in PSAC West play and 16–1 overall

UP NEXT
The Golden Knights return home on Wednesday, January 14th,  to host Seton Hill in a matchup of unbeaten teams in the PSAC West.  

Gannon and the Griffins met four times last season, with the Golden Knights sweeping the series, 4–0. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the Highmark Events Center.

Wednesday's contest will also feature Decade Night, as fans are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade's attire, with each quarter and half highlighting a different era.
Story generated with the assistance of AI technology.