CALIFORNIA, Pa. — In a high-octane showdown, the Clarion Golden Eagles (12-10, 7-9 PSAC) narrowly fell to the California (PA) Vulcans (11-15, 7-9 PSAC) by a final score of 101-94. This thrilling game was a rollercoaster, featuring six ties and 19 lead changes, with the Vulcans clinching the win thanks to a decisive push in the fourth quarter.
Arianna Seitz was a standout, pouring in 24 points and snagging eight rebounds, three of which were on the offensive glass.
Zoe Guice was equally impactful, notching 21 points, dishing out eight assists, and swiping three steals. Zoé Bayer also lit up the scoreboard with 21 points, nailing all three of her shots from downtown.
Alyssa Terza chipped in 12 points, hitting 5 of 7 from the field and grabbing seven boards.
The Golden Eagles came out firing, matching Cal's early scoring pace. Seitz was pivotal, knocking down multiple buckets, including a clutch 3-pointer at 1:54, keeping Clarion neck-and-neck with the Vulcans. As the first quarter buzzer sounded, Guice drained a 3-pointer to give the Golden Eagles a razor-thin 27–26 edge.
In the second quarter, the Golden Eagles soared with a strong offensive showing. Bayer was electric, draining back-to-back 3-pointers at 6:18 and 5:45, widening the gap. Clarion's dominance on the boards and timely shooting, including a Terza 3-pointer at 1:16, held Cal to just 20 points in the quarter. They went into halftime on top, 56–46, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the game.
The third quarter saw Clarion maintain their fast-paced offense. Guice's swift layup at 6:03 pushed the lead to 64–54, capitalizing on fast-break chances. Although Cal briefly surged ahead after a late steal and jumper by Macy Sardone, Seitz was clutch, draining a crucial 3-pointer with 40 seconds left to regain a 74–72 lead. Clarion entered the final quarter up 75–72, with Guice's free throw sealing the advantage.
The Golden Eagles started the fourth quarter strong, with Guice setting up
Claire Noble for a bucket at 7:13, nudging them ahead 81-80. Despite their efforts, the Vulcans countered with a scoring spree, highlighted by a layup from Kimaya Williams. Clarion fought valiantly, with significant contributions from Seitz and Guice, but Cal's steady scoring and crucial free throws in the dying moments secured their victory. The contest wrapped up with the Vulcans edging out the Golden Eagles, 101-94.
