Jaguars Advance in Women's Playoff Opener Behind Johnson's 21 Points
SAN JOSE — Hayley Johnson scored 21 points and Synise Byrd added 16 as the San José Jaguars pulled away from Cosumnes River for a 58-42 first-round women's playoff victory Wednesday night.
The host Jaguars built a double-digit lead by halftime and never looked back, outscoring the visitors 29-17 in the first two quarters before Cosumnes River attempted a fourth-quarter push that fell short.
San José led 13-8 after one quarter and extended the margin heading into the break. The Jaguars' front line controlled the glass, finishing with 26 total rebounds on the night.
Johnson, working primarily inside, connected on her field goal attempts with efficiency while converting 3 of 6 free throws. Byrd complemented her with perimeter production, draining two 3-pointers as part of her 16-point effort. Kaydin Meyer chipped in 11 points and hauled in 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Ember Navarro contributed six points off her shot attempts in the paint.
Daven Woodham rounded out the San José scoring with four points.
Cosumnes River showed some life in the final period with 15 points, but could not overcome the deficit, finishing with 42.
San José shot 42.4 percent from the field and 30 percent from 3-point range, going 5-of-10 from the free throw line.
Stats for Cosumnes River were not available at the time of publication.
The Jaguars will take their winning streak on the road Saturday, traveling to Butte College for a second-round matchup with a 6 p.m. tip-off.
