California junior Alisa Lewis died Monday morning in Oakland, Calif., from apparent bacterial meningitis, university officials said.
Lewis — a 20 year old from Spokane, Wash. — died shortly after being taken to the hospital Sunday night with a severe headache, rash and flu-like symptoms.
A team spokeswoman told The Associated Press on Monday that doctors believe Lewis probably died from bacterial meningitis, an infection that attacks the brain covering and spinal cord, and spreads through saliva and mucus. The final cause of death, however, is pending further tests.
“Our hearts go out to Alisa’s family following this horrible, devastating news,” California head coach Caren Horstmeyer told the AP. “Alisa was one of the nicest, hardest-working players I’ve had the opportunity to coach. We’re all in a complete state of shock.”
Lewis averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds in 10 games as a reserve this season.
The 5-foot-11 forward spent the first three seasons of her prep career at Fairfield High School in the Bay Area before attending Gonzaga Prep in Spokane her senior year.
Oregon head coach Bev Smith said Lewis’ death is a reminder on how short life can be.
“It’s really tragic and unfortunate,” Smith said. “It puts in perspective that you have to live every day as it is your last because you never know. Our hearts go out to the family and the Cal team.”
Smith also talked to Oregon players on a one-on-one basis about minimizing the chance of contracting meningitis by practicing good hygiene and not sharing water bottles.

Husky turnaround
Washington (10-7 overall, 3-5 Pacific-10 Conference) appears to be back on track after sweeping the Oregon schools last week.
The Huskies improved to 3-5 in the Pac-10 after an injury-plagued 1-5 start. Washington, picked to finish third in both preseason conference polls, hosts Washington State (4-13, 0-8) on Saturday.
Husky guard Giuliana Mendiola said teamwork was one of the main reasons Washington has been successful.
“Whoever stepped on the court brought great intensity,” Mendiola said after Thursday’s 95-50 win against Oregon. “It was great to see our team
play together.”
Mendiola scored a combined 35 points last week, vaulting her into a tie for 23rd place on the all-time Pac-10 scoring list with 1,596. She is the only player in conference history to rank in the top 25 in scoring and top 10 in assists (540).

Scoring snap
Oregon State guard Shannon Howell exploded for 40 points Saturday in an 87-74 loss to Washington.
It was the most points scored by a Pac-10 player since Mendiola scored 43 against UCLA on Feb. 1, 2003. Howell connected on 14 of 28 shots, including 5 of 10 from three-point range.
The junior-transfer from Nebraska became eligible to play on Dec. 27 due to NCAA Division I transfer rules. In seven games, Howell has helped the Beavers to a 4-3 record while averaging 22.6 points per game.
Oregon State hosts Arizona State Thursday and Arizona on Saturday. The Beavers are in a tie for fourth in the conference with the Sun Devils.