POMONA, Calif. - Two teams with playoff aspirations faced off the night before Thanksgiving, and the Eagles showed early that they could compete with the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos.

Concordia University Irvine sophomore Katie Timmerman and junior Michaela VanderKlugt mirrored each other by leading the team with 14 points and seven rebounds each, but ultimately Cal Poly Pomona prevailed, 68-52.

The Eagles were within three points at the end of the first quarter but the Broncos opened up a 32-22 lead by halftime. VanderKlugt led the first half offense with nine points before intermission.

Jasmine Rachel entered the night as CUI's leading scorer and added eight points. Freshman Savannah Felix-Amoroso earned some more playing time and contributed five points off the bench as well.

"We showed flashes of the team we want to be and are capable of being," said CUI head coach Christine Collins-Kiernan. "We have shown we can compete with the best in our region. Now we have to grow and start being consistent. Our schedule is not getting any easier and it is my hope that, that is what gets us ready to be at our best down the stretch."

The Eagles will enjoy Thanksgiving break and then return to action on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. against Hawai'i Hilo. That game will also be CUI's PacWest Conference opener and will be followed by the men's team hosting the Vulcans as well for a 7:30 p.m. scheduled start.

For the full CUI women's basketball schedule, click here.