No. 5 Women's Basketball pulled away in the second half Saturday afternoon, outscoring California (Pa.) 45-24 over the final two quarters to earn a 72-51 PSAC West victory at the Highmark Events Center.

The game marked the start of the second half of PSAC action as the Golden Knights secured the season sweep of the Vulcans.

After a back-and-forth first half that featured 11 ties and six lead changes, the Golden Knights took control after the break, outscoring California (Pa.) 45-24 in the second half. Gannon shot 67.9 percent from the field after halftime and went a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range to create separation and extend its win streak to four games.

THE GAME FACTS
Score: Gannon 72, California (Pa.) 51
Records: Gannon (21-2, 13-1 PSAC), California (Pa.) (10-14, 6-8 PSAC)
Location: Highmark Events Center – Erie, Pa.
Date: February 7, 2026
 
THE KNIGHT CAP

• Claxon Leads the Way: Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) paced the offense with 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting.
• Wheatley Fills the Stat Sheet: Maddy Wheatley (Canberra, Australia/UCSSC Lake Ginninderra) added 10 points, three assists, two blocks, and two rebounds.
• Ratliff Owns the Glass: Kate Ratliff (Canal Winchester, Ohio/Canal Winchester) scored nine points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds.
• Season-Tying Efficiency: Gannon shot 58.3 percent from the field, tying its highest mark of the season previously set January 14 at home against Seton Hill.
• Sharp From Deep: The Golden Knights finished 5-for-9 (55.6%) from three-point range.
• Dunham Perfect From Three: Carissa Dunham (Fairview, Pa./Villa Maria) went 2-for-2 from beyond the arc off the bench.
• Recent History: Gannon has now won nine of the last 10 meetings and 12 of the last 14 against the Vulcans, securing a third straight season sweep.
• Home Court Success: The Golden Knights have won the last three meetings against California (Pa.) at the Highmark Events Center.
• Gannon Athletics teamed up with Make-A-Wish® at halftime of Saturday's doubleheader to reveal a wish for 13-year-old Reagan from Erie.
• Reagan's wish — a trip to SeaWorld and other Orlando theme parks — was unveiled in a custom "Friends"-style video presented live on the court.
• Members of Gannon's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) helped present the reveal, highlighting the department's commitment to the community.

THE NEXT GAME
Gannon returns home to host Edinboro on Wednesday, February 11 for PNC Achievers Night. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. inside the Highmark Events Center.

This story was written using the support of AI.