Tue Nov 04 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Headline: Freshmen Spark Hope for Cal Women’s Basketball Despite Loss to No. 19 Vanderbilt in Paris

Paris, France – The Cal women’s basketball team kicked off its season in Paris, France, on Monday, falling to No. 19 Vanderbilt by a score of 74-65 in the “Oui-Play Paris 2025” event. While the loss was disappointing, the performance of two freshmen starters provided a silver lining for the Bears.

McDonald’s All-American Puff Morris, a highly touted recruit, contributed 10 points and four assists, but struggled in the second half, going cold as Vanderbilt seized control. However, it was fellow freshman Taylor Barnes who emerged as the standout player for Cal. Barnes led the team with 17 points on an efficient 7-for-13 shooting, including 3-for-7 from beyond the arc. She also added a team-high five assists and six rebounds.

Barnes helped Cal build a nine-point lead in the second quarter, but Vanderbilt, led by All-SEC guard Mikayla with 27 points, proved too strong. The Commodores capitalized on Cal’s 17 turnovers and a cold shooting night from Lulu Twidale, the team’s only returning starter. Twidale, who averaged 13.2 points last season, finished with just 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting, including a dismal 1-for-11 from three-point range.

After Cal led by nine points, Vanderbilt went on a 30-4 run to take a commanding lead. Cal, which relied heavily on three-point shooting last season, struggled from long distance, making just 7 of 28 attempts.

Sakima Walker, a transfer from South Carolina, added 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for the Bears.

Despite the loss, the strong performances of freshmen Morris and Barnes offer a glimpse of promise for the future of Cal women’s basketball. The Bears will need to address their turnover issues and find more consistent scoring to improve as the season progresses.

By Jake Curtis, Sports Illustrated

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