LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's basketball team tuned up for its 2014-15 season opener with a gritty 65-58 win over Hope International in an exhibition game on Saturday night.
 
The Golden Eagles put forth a spirited effort with just eight healthy players in the victory over the Royals. Shanice Jackson had 15 points to lead three Golden Eagles in double figures. Geena Greene had 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, while Franeka Hall had 10 points and seven rebounds.
 
Talor Hixon had 13 points and six rebounds for Hope International. Krystal Canning and Emily Terwilliger had 10 points each.
 
All eight Golden Eagles who saw action on Saturday scored. Samantha Lee added nine points, Bree Parsons, Kiah Knox and Kaija Powell had five points each and Ali Orlich had a solid all-around game with four points, five rebounds and six assists.
 
Cal State L.A. shot 43.1 percent for the game, including 55.2 percent in the second half. Hope International shot 35.7 percent for the game.
 
The Golden Eagles were 7-of-21 from 3-point range, while the Royals were just 2-of-10. Cal State L.A. struggled at the free-throw line, making just 8-of-18 and also committed 25 turnovers to 17 for Hope International.
 
Cal State L.A. enjoyed a 50-37 rebounding edge.
 
The Golden Eagles led for most of the game, but Hope International always stayed within striking distance. The Golden Eagles built a quick 13-2 lead, but the Royals battled back and stayed close the rest of the way.
 
The Golden Eagles held a 30-27 halftime lead. Hope International got as close as one point in the second half, but could never take the lead. After a layup by Orlich gave the Golden Eagles a 56-48 with 8:56 to play, the Royals closed to within one point, 59-58, with 3:21 to go. Knox responded with a basket, Jackson hit a jumper and Parsons scored on a layup to extend the lead. Cal State L.A. didn't allow a point over the final 3:21.