LA VERNE, Calif. – Senior Heather Thompson scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team dropped a 72-51 decision in its season opener at La Verne Saturday night. 
 
Junior Brianna Higgins also registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Alex Alvarado chipped in nine points. 
 
All eight lead changes occurred in the first 12 minutes of the game as La Verne went on a 12-0 run to break a 17-17 tie at the 8:44 mark of the first half.  The Cougars were never able to close the gap to less than nine the rest of the night.
 
CSUSM controlled the boards, holding a 48-38 advantage but struggled in turnovers with 24 to La Verne's 15.
 
La Verne's Shannon Irwin put up a game-high 25 points.   
 
The Cougars home opener is slated for Saturday Nov. 8 when they host La Sierra at 7:30 p.m. at MiraCosta College.