C of I Women Upset No. 11 Cal Baptist, 102-89
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The College of Idaho women's basketball team rallied from a 17-point first half deficit, recording their highest scoring total since the 2000-01 season, upsetting nationally-ranked Cal Baptist, 102-89, in the opening game of the Westminster Tournament.
The Lady Yotes (3-1) eclipsed the 100-point mark for just the fifth time in school history and the first time since a 102-17 victory over Maine-Fort Kent in November of 2000. The team also tied the school record for blocked shots in a game with 13, equaling the mark set by the Yotes against Concordia in 2002.
The Lancers (1-1), ranked No. 13 in the NAIA Division I preseason poll, used a 15-0 run early in the first half to break a 9-9 tie, building a 30-13 edge with just under ten minutes left in the period. However, the Yotes would battle back, cutting the lead to 53-43 at the half.
The second half saw The C of I connect on 60-percent of their field goal attempts, outscoring CBU 59-36. A Nicole Gall three capped a 14-2 run to open the period to give the Yotes their first lead at 57-55. The Lancers would eventually extend the lead back out to 69-62 with just under 12-minutes left, but the Coyotes took over from there - as Kayla Brewer canned a trey with 7:46 left, capping a 18-4 run, giving the Purple and Gold an 80-73 edge.
Christon Vander Esch scored a game-high 24 points and six blocks, converting a school-record tying 14 free throw attempts, with ShaNae Horner scoring a career-high 23 points. Nicole Gall added 16 points and four steals, as the Lady Yotes forced 33 turnovers and recorded 22 steals as a team.
Kendra Morris led CBU with 20 points, with Bryana Williams had 16 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
The Lady Yotes return to action tomorrow afternoon, meeting Northern New Mexico at 4 p.m.