The SF State women's basketball team is looking to improve their season after losing six of their last 10 games, despite high scoring and solid defensive play.

"Throughout the year, we have struggled with gaining a conducive offensive tempo," said Dr. Joaquin Wallace, SF State head women's basketball coach.

As of Jan. 28, the Gators have an overall record of 9-8 for the 2008-09 season. While they have an impressive 6-1 record in non-conference play, their 3-7 CCAA record leaves them in ninth place.

The Gators left the court for winter recess with a 1-1 CCAA standing record and 5-2 overall.

During winter break, the Gators defeated the Academy of Art 59-57 in a non-conference game. Senior Krystle Mays led the team with a game-high 13 points and 12 rebounds.

"The team is at a point where we feel pressured to do well," senior Desiree Butler said about the Gators' first road trip of the year in January.

Following a brief break, the Gators played 10 games on the road starting with Humboldt State on Jan. 2. The Gators' defense was unable to whittle down the Lumberjacks' lead, and with only 33 percent shooting with 19 field goals for 57 attempts, the Gators lost their first game of the new year, 60-40.

SF State was dealt another heartbreaker the following night at Sonoma State.

After trailing early in the game, the Gators picked up steam and pulled ahead of the Seawolves, leading 27-26 going into halftime. But the Gators were unable to maintain their slim advantage and lost to the Seawolves in overtime, 66-59.

The Gators' offense continued their downward slide into their next game against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Making only 18 of 62 attempted field goals, SF State lost 68-45.

The Gators appeared to have a stronger chance against Cal State LA on Jan. 10 with sophomore Dominique Hunter posting a game-high 15 points, as well as sophomore Donisha Tate grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds. But after maintaining the lead for the duration of the game, Cal State LA tied the score twice and eventually won at 60-56.

SF State bit back hard on Jan. 15 against Cal State Monterey Bay when three players posted career highs. After six ties in the first half, the Gators went into the locker room leading 30-29.

SF State never lost the lead in the second half, winning 62-53 and snapping their four-game losing streak.

"It was great to see Dezzi, Donisha and Maddie step into their roles as we have opened up our offense looking for early transition, which resulted in us netting our most points in conference up until that point," said Wallace, refering to Butler, Tate and junior Madeleine Schwartz.

There were hopes that the team could repeat its success two nights later against UC San Diego, but the No. 25-ranked Tritons kept the Gators down to 38 percent shooting, resulting in a 63-48 loss for SF State.

The Gators will finish their road trip during the last weekend in January with a game against Chico State Wildcats on Jan. 30 and another game against the Cal State Stanislaus Warriors on Jan. 31.