Box Score COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team fell at No. 1 Vanguard 91-54 on Monday night at The Pit.

Sherika Miller led the Cougars with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Cassie Damyanovich tallied 13 points. They were the only two CSUSM (7-10) players in double figures. Lindsay Uyematsu and Alexandria Alvarado recorded six points apiece. Heather Thompson had nine rebounds.

Vanguard improves to 9-0 with the victory. Nicole Ballestero led the Lions with 33 points on 14-of-20 shooting. Samantha Doucette followed with 16 points.

The Cougars never led, but kept the game within 10 points (25-15) until the 10-minute mark when the Lions began to pull away.

VU took a 48-27 advantage at the break after shooting nearly 70 percent from the field and making 6-of-8 of their attempts from behind the arc in the first half.

Back-to-back buckets from Miller and Uyematsu brought CSUSM within 18 early on in the second half, but Ballestero rattled off 10 straight points to make the lead 60-32 with 15:10 left.

The Cougars would not get within 26 the rest of the way.

Brianna Higgins blocked three shots in the game. Alvarado dished out four assists.

CSUSM's next game is on Thursday, Jan. 2 at Hope International at 5:30 p.m.