Double-digit loss to double-double domination: the Hornets start 2026 1-1

The new year brings new opportunities, and for the Sacramento State Hornets, 2026 kicked off with a flurry of mixed emotions.

Jan. 3: Idaho State 61, Sac State 46

Starting conference play in the second half of the season, the Hornets hosted Idaho State and quickly faced the struggles of playing catch-up after the Bengals took an early lead.

In the first quarter alone, the Bengals scored 20 points in the paint, compared to just four points by the Hornets.

Head hanging low, head coach Aaron Kallhoff chronicled the Bengals’ early domination that built a near impossible deficit to come back from.

“The start just drives me nuts with turnovers and our lack of execution,” Kallhoff said. “There’s a disconnect that’s carrying over to the game.”

Sophomore guard Rubi Gray, who was the only Hornet to score in double digits against the Bengals (16) and continued her streak of 11 consecutive games with double-digit points, shared the same sentiment about the game.

“I feel like the games that we’ve lost, we come out on the back foot and haven’t thrown the first punch,” Gray said. “We’ve always been able to show in the second half that we’re a good team but because we dug such a big hole in the first half, there’s no way to make it up.”

The Hornets never held the lead and were forced to play catch-up after the Bengals landed the first punch, closing within a single-digit margin before turnovers and offensive rebounding by the Bengals squashed the hopes of a comeback, losing 61-46.

“They say when you do the same thing over and over and expect a different result, that’s insanity,” Kallhoff said. “We’re not insane and we’re making changes, we gotta do better offensively.”

RELATED: The Double Dribble: Major injuries hinder Sac State’s Big Sky buildup

Jan. 3 Sac State 60, Weber State 39

Two days removed from the disappointing opening, the Hornets came out swinging on a day that was bigger than basketball, winning 60-39 against Weber State.

Sac State donned new warmups for Autism Awareness Day, decorated with an array of colored puzzle pieces with the words “Diversity is a fact” and “Inclusion is an act”.

Caylix Kallhoff, Kallhoff’s son who is autistic, spread awareness for autism through his support as an honorary coach, sitting right behind his father during the game.

Got the nice win in our Autism Awareness Game. Proud of our team and happy my son Caylix was the honorary coach. pic.twitter.com/ZELJeEvw9C

— Aaron Kallhoff (@CoachAKallhoff) January 4, 2026

“He’s my boy, I always wanted to be a dad,” Kallhoff said. “It means a lot to me because of the battles they fight everyday. I was just sitting here thinking about it. It’s bigger than basketball.”

Redshirt senior guard Benthe Versteeg shared the same feeling after a dominant performance that contributed to the win.

“It does something to my heart, we want children to light up and be there for them,” Versteeg said. “It’s not what we can do but how we play basketball that lights people up.”

Reentering the win column for the first time in three games, Versteeg said connecting with old coaches helped make the difference.

“I’ve been struggling this season. I’ve been talking to [Sac State’s] staff and my old coaches about finding my groove,” Versteeg said. “I haven’t had my energy in the entire game. The moment we start having energy, we’re unstoppable.”

Versteeg paired season-high 18 points with 10 rebounds, along with a career-high six steals, for her second double-double of the season.

Junior forward Keanna Salave’a contributed to the Hornets’ unstoppable force as well, reaching her second double-double of the season, recording 13 points and rebounds, with six of her boards coming on the offensive glass.

“This is a great win for the team. We’ve been waiting for a win like this to come,” Salave’a said.

Starting for the first time this season, freshman guard Jaety Mandaquit was awarded the victory’s Iron Hornet Belt.

The Iron Hornet Belt is awarded to a standout player every winning game who “embodied toughness on both ends of the floor.”

After every win this year we will present the belt to our “Iron Hornet” for the game. The “Iron Hornet” will be the player who embodied toughness on both ends of the floor and lead us to victory. It only felt necessary to have the Iron Hornet at our house break in the belt. pic.twitter.com/Gf4pFQWlba

— Aaron Kallhoff (@CoachAKallhoff) October 26, 2025

“She’s tougher than nails,” Kallhoff said. “She’s been hungry and she’s building confidence.”

The pulse of the Swarm. 🐝

Jaety earned the Iron Hornet honors today. Her intensity was contagious, proving she’s a threat no matter what court (or field) she’s on! 🔥 #StingersUp pic.twitter.com/aemlTHBFF7

— Sac State WBB (@SacStateWBB) January 3, 2026

The Hornets face Portland State (5-9, 1-1 in Big Sky) on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. in Hornet Pavilion.

“I’m extremely proud of this team,” Kallhoff said.