SEATTLE -- Cal State LA's women's basketball team got its 2025-26 season off to a good start with a fantastic finish against host Seattle Pacific.

The Golden Eagles erased a 61-55 deficit with a game-closing 20-2 run to beat the Falcons, 75-63, in the CCAA/GNAC Challenge in Brougham Pavilion. Cal State LA (1-0) outscored Seattle Pacific (0-1), 23-12, in the fourth quarter.

The Golden Eagles found themselves down by six points with 7:44 to go, but got a layup by Amaya Fuentes, a jumper by Fuentes and a layup by Mary Cotton to tie it at 61-61. Fuentes then hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with five minutes left and the Golden Eagles continued to build their lead to the finish line. The Golden Eagles were 7-of-8 from the free-throw line in the final minute with Nevaeh Asiasi going 6-for-6. Asiasi also had a block and three rebounds in the final minute.

Sofia Fidelus had a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while Fuentes finished with 16 points and five rebounds. Asiasi had 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals. 

Grace Turley had 18 points to lead Seattle Pacific.

Ariyah Smith had seven points, five rebounds and five assists for the Golden Eagles, while Mary Cotton had five points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Cal State LA shot 36.6 percent for the game (26-of-71) and was 7-of-20 from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles were also 16-of-23 from the free-throw line. Seattle Pacific shot 37.9 percent (22-of-58) and was 10-of-25 from 3-point range. The Falcons were 9-of-12 from the free-throw line.

Cal State LA had a 50-32 rebounding edge and forced 22 turnovers while committing 16.

Cal State LA took a 25-22 lead after one quarter thanks to a 3-pointer by Kyara Walter and a layup by Mariah Blake in the final minute. The Golden Eagles took a 40-32 lead late in the second quarter on a 3-pointer by Fidelus and settled for a 40-34 halftime lead.

The Golden Eagles fell behind, 52-51, after three quarter and faced a 61-55 fourth-quarter deficit before their fantastic late finish.

Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday with a game against Western Washington.