Without the presence of coach Joaquin Wallace, the Gators locked down on defense to beat Humboldt State 68-55 at their home opener Friday, snapping a three-game losing streak.

Wallace, who was suspended from Friday’s game, will return tonight as the Gators host Sonoma State at 5:30 p.m.

Gator sophomore Jessica Hout-Freeman started out the game with a three-pointer and the Gators would not give up a basket until nearly four minutes in, using pressure defense and good rebounding to go on a 10-0 run.

The victory was the first since the Gators came back from winter break on Jan. 4 and was the first win in five CCAA games. The Gators (5-7, 2-3) beat Cal Poly Pomona 59-57 in overtime on Nov. 30.

“I’m extremely happy,” assistant coach Toni West, who led the team in Wallace’s absence, said. “They bought into the game plan.”

Krystle Mays and Dominique Hunter marked their territory in the post scoring 12 points each. Four blocks, four assists and 13 rebounds gave Hunter her second double-double of the season. Mays had eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.

Guard Hout-Freeman praised the play of both Mays and Hunter and said the Gators have “the best post players in the whole league.”

Forward Brio Rode added 11 points with six of them coming from three point shots well beyond the three-point line. Rode said that the long distance attempt is her shot.

Not only did Rode contribute on offense, she also had three steals and was constantly causing havoc for Lumberjacks with a scrappy style of play that she said is different from her normal finesse game.

“[Rode] totally stayed in the game plan, doing exactly what she was supposed to do” West said.

Antwinette Turner led the scoring from the bench with eight out of the bench player’s 17 points. Turner shot 75 percent and was 2-for-2 from three-point range.

“We have an amazing, deep bench,” said Hout-Freeman. “Anyone can come in for anyone.”

The Lumberjacks standout player, Katie Franci, scored 11 points, but turned the ball over nine times.

Hunter said they knew Franci was going to the basket whenever she got the ball. Mays and Hunter’s physical played slowed down the explosive Franci.

The Gators also silenced Lumberjack starter Jennifer Enos, who was held to only three points in the second half and five in the first. Enos also had no assists.

“She is known as a shooter,” said Hout-Freeman, who stopped her from scoring for much of the game.

Coach West, Rode, Hunter, and Hout-Freeman all attributed this win to solid team play.

Hunter said if the team “plays like this” and is “aggressive” the Gators will have a better chance at beating the 3-1 Sonoma State Seawolves tonight.