When the women’s basketball team woke up Thursday morning, they probably did not think they would fall behind 19-0 that night to start their game against UC Irvine. The Matadors fell behind early to the Anteaters and ended up losing 69-64.

The Matadors could have won the game, but they decided to spot the Anteaters a 19 point lead.

“We came out sluggish. It took us a while to get going and Irvine capitalized,” said guard Bridgette Conejo.

After the Matadors terrible start, they actually outscored the Anteaters 64-50. The Matadors shot 51.9 percent in the second half, compared to 28.6 percent in the first half. Also, they were 88.9 percent from the free throw line in the second half compared to 50.0 percent in the first half.

However, the Matadors were held at bay after their slow start because of Mikah Maly-Karros, who finished the game with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

“I can’t wait to play her again. We will be ready second time around,” Katrina Thompson said.

It also did not help that the Matadors were outrebounded 48-34 and gave up 19 second-chance points.

The Matadors are 2-10 overall and 0-3 in the Big West conference. Where is the team pulse after another team loss?

“We have a lack of confidence and we are passing up shots,” Conejo says.

However, Thompson added, “We are pretty optimistic and will get those wins back.” It sounds like the team is not on the same page, and the Matadors are about to encounter a stretch of division games.

Their next game is against Cal State Bakersfield in a non-conference game. Bakersfield is a good defensive team, averaging 13.4 steals per game.

However, Thompson thinks the Matadors have the answer to the Roadrunners strong defense.

“They are fast and we have to play zone on offense,” says Thompson

They also have Katie Williams. The Las Vegas, Nev.-native is averaging 21 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

The Roadrunners are only 8-8, but they are a tough minded team and should be a tough out.

The game is set for Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Matadome.