Vander Esch scores 26 in Yotes win over Concordia-Irvine
Box Score
CALDWELL, Idaho - Christon Vander Esch scored a game-high 26 points and added 15 rebounds, as The College of Idaho women's basketball team opened up their home schedule with a 81-70 victory over Concordia-Irvine tonight in the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
The Lady Yotes (1-1), coming off an exhibition win over NCAA Division I Weber State, forced 31 turnovers and outscored the visitors from California 30-8 off miscues.
After a see-saw first half, the NAIA Division I Eagles (0-1) took their final lead of the night at 40-39, before the Yotes methodically took control of the game. A Vander Esch jumper at the 12:20 mark pushed the lead to 55-48, with ShaNae Horner bucket inside the final three minutes got the lead out to 74-61.
Vander Esch connected on 10-of-18 shots from the floor, including four three-pointers, and registered five steals. Katie Strunk had 12 points, eight rebounds, and five steals off the bench, with Horner adding 12 points and six assists.
The Eagles (0-1), making their 2008-09 debut, held a 54-52 rebound edge - but struggled hanging onto the ball. Nicole Fu led the Golden State Athletic Conference opponent with 20 points and ten rebounds, but also had seven turnovers. Kayanna Nichols had 11 points and Tyler Howard added ten points off the bench.
The Lady Yotes return to action on Saturday, hosting Northwest Christian at 7 p.m.