SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Sophomore center Susan McDaniel scored 15 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for a double double in her first career contest to lead Whitworth to a season-opening 64-43 win at UC Santa Cruz on Friday night. The Pirates will take on La Sierra College on Saturday at UCSC.

Susan McDaniel

Whitworth struggled shooting the ball, making only 31% from the floor, including 22.7% (5/22) from beyond the arc. The struggles also extended to the foul line, where the Pirates made only 15 of 26 attempts.

However, Whitworth dominated the boards, outrebounding the Banana Slugs 58-38, including a 26-17 edge in offensive rebounds. The Pirates also played solid defense, forcing UCSC into 29 turnovers and limiting the home team to 21.8% (12/55) shooting from the field.

Alida Bower also posted a double double for the Pirates with 12 points and 12 boards. Freshman Natlie Orrell added 11 points and Cassie Snyder dished five assists.

Kayleigh Calandri led UCSC with 17 points.