OCEANSIDE, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team made great strides on Thursday in a tough game before No. 3 Vanguard pulled away in the second half.  In the end, the Lions took a 65-41 win at MiraCosta College. 
 
Senior Heather Thompson recorded her third double-double night with 10 points and 11 rebounds before the Cougars fell to 1-7 on the season.  Senior Mackenzie Harnett had a team-high 15 points. 
 
The Cougars were within single digits throughout the first half and trailed by just four points after a Shayd Bowers layup at nine minutes to go.  The Lions took a 33-26 advantage into the break.
 
The Lions opened the second half with an 8-0 run to take a 41-26 lead.  CSUSM was able to cut the gap to 11 points on a 3-pointer by freshman Kylie Coppi. The Lions answered with back-to-back threes by Lindsey Harter.
 
Riley Holsinger paced the Lions with 24 points and 12 rebounds while Samantha Doucette added 16 points. 
 
The Cougars face their fourth NCAA Division II opponent of the season on Tuesday, Dec. 9 when they travel to Point Loma for a 7 p.m. game.