Storm drop first game of Surf N' Slam Hoop Classic

SAN DIEGO - Led by a game-high 31 points from Colleen Planeta, Pt. Loma Nazarene notched an 84-47 victory over No. 23 Simpson Monday afternoon in the first round of the 2009 Surf N' Slam San Diego Hoop Classic at Golden Gym.

The host Sea Lions (9-1), ranked No. 2 in the latest NAIA Division I women's basketball poll, shot 54.7 percent from the field and forced Simpson into committing a season-high 31 turnovers in the win.

PLNU held a 37-11 advantage in points off turnovers.

Stacey Schutjer scored 14 points and Ali Sokol contributed 13 and six rebounds off the bench to lead the Storm (7-2). Simpson's next contest comes against No. 21 Capital (Ohio) at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The Crusaders lost to Washington and Lee (Va.), 58-48 earlier in the day.

After a layup from Katie Kitzman gave the Storm an early 6-4 lead, the Sea Lions outscored Simpson 44-20 the rest of the first half in building a 48-26 halftime lead.

Planeta connected on 13-of-16 shots in the game and pulled down eight rebounds. Amanda Franz added 21 points and five steals.