Box Score HAYWARD, Calif. — The Dominican University of California women's basketball team dropped its 2012–13 season opener 58-36 to Cal State East Bay in the CCAA/PacWest Challenge.

The Lady Penguins' nerves got the best of them. Dominican (0-1) shot just 3-of-30 (.100) in the first half and 11-of-62 (.177) for the game. That was exacerbated by the fact that Dominican was outrebounded 64-38, including 26 offensive boards for Cal State East Bay (1-0). While the Pioneers didn't shoot well either (20-of-65, .308) they built a 28-13 halftime lead.

Cal State East Bay opened the second half with a five-point run to push the deficit to 20. Dominican started to work the ball inside to Sarah Nelson, who scored 10 of her team-high 12 points in the second half. Dominican played even for the final 13 minutes but the early gap was too large to close.

Nelson also led the Lady Penguins with nine rebounds. Freshman Nikki Gleason pulled down six rebounds in the loss. Senior Stephanie Carnes and junior transfer Yvonne Sanchez each added six points apiece.

The Pioneers were led by Lauren Lucchesi's 16 points. Meaghan Cichoke added 10 points.

“Our nerves definitely showed tonight. We had a lot of open shots that just didn't fall,” said Head Coach Brianna Chambers. “Those shots fall and it's a totally different ballgame. We've got it out of our system now and we have a chance get back at it tomorrow and take care of the little things.”

The Lady Penguins return to Hayward on Saturday, Nov. 10 and will look for their first win of the season in at 2:00 p.m. contest vs. Humboldt State. Earlier on Friday, the Lumberjacks fell 86-65 to PacWest rival Academy of Art University. Live stats from the CCAA/PacWest Challenge, including Saturday's game, will be provided by host Cal State East Bay.