By Diana Romero

The Matadors’ season ended the way it started.

The Cal State Northridge women’s basketball team ended its year with a loss against Pacific on Saturday afternoon, 63-49. The Tigers gained the eighth place in the conference, taking the last spot in the Big West Tournament.

The Matadors started the game with good defense against Pacific. CSUN held a lead of 13-11, but was quickly turned at the end of the first half with Pacific closing it with an 11-point lead (37-21).

Pacific played tough defense and efficient offense throughout the second half by finishing off with 18-of-46 (39.1 percent) on field goals, shooting 18-of-27 (66.7 percent) from the free throw line and made 9-of-22 (40.9 percent) from the 3-point line.

The Matadors finished the game with 18-of-47 (38.3 percent) field goals, 12-of-17 (70.6 percent) from the charity stripe and made 1-of-6 (16.7 percent) of 3-pointers.

Sophomore Violet Alama was the Matadors’ leading scorer with 15 points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists.

Alama mentioned that her performance was due to her mismatch for most of the game, which made her “want to be a defensive threat to the other team.”

Although Alama is very disappointed on how the season ended, she said she is very excited for what the future holds for the program.

“Preparation starts tomorrow,” Alama said.

The leading senior for the Matadors was Janet Alvarado with four points and three rebounds.

Alvarado mentioned that they worked hard in the beginning, but weren’t able to communicate well, which led the team to break down.

“We didn’t show up offensively as well as we do,” Alvarado said. “Pacific was more aggressive and they wanted it more.”

Alvarado advises the underclassmen to continue to work hard and give their 110 percent on everything next season. Alvarado will graduate in the spring and attend National University for a year to obtain her teaching credentials.

Head coach Jason Flowers said they had set a goal to get to the Big West Tournament, but were not able to do so.

“We had a tough time putting the ball in the basket. It all comes down to making more shots than the other team,” said Flowers, who just finished his first season at CSUN.

Flowers said that next season will be a brand new program with five new incoming players.