Lady Yotes Defeat Unbeaten Whitman, Run Win Streak to 11
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Overcoming early in both halves of play, The College of Idaho handed Whitman College their first loss of the season, 65-62, in a battle of nationally-ranked women’s teams in Sherwood Center.
The Missionaries (8-1), ranked No. 24 in the latest NCAA Division III poll, threatened to blow the Coyotes out of the gym in the first six minutes of play, racing away to a 13-0 lead. The visitors missed their first six shots from the floor (plus two free throws) and committed six turnovers. Hilary White fueled the Missionary outburst with six points and guard Jennifer Keyes capped the run with a 3-pointer.
But the Lady Yotes (11-1) countered with a 17-4 run to knot the score at the 7:51 mark and the score remained tied, 28-28, at intermission. Whitman opened the second half with another quick blitz, jumping in front 35-28 in the first 90 seconds, but a Nicole Gall three-ball pulled the Coyotes even at 48, fueling a 12-2 run to push the Purple and Gold’s lead to 57-50 with six minutes left. A six-point Missionary run, which included two Rebecca Sexton hoops, forged a 60-60 tie with 2:14 left.
After Christon Vander Esch and Sexton traded baskets, ShaNaeHorner scored to give the Coyotes the lead for good at 64-62 with 26 seconds remaining. After Whitman missed its next shot from the floor and The C of I misfired on the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity, the Missionaries turned the ball over with 10 seconds left, with Alexandria Allen hitting 1-of-2 free throws – then getting a hand in the face of Keyes on her desperation three at the horn that went wide.
Horner led the way with 19 points, while Vander Esch had 17 in the win – despite the team connecting on just 4-of-18 free throws. Sexton led Whitman with 22 points, with Krall adding 13 in the loss.
The Lady Yotes return to action on Friday, hosting Warner Pacific at 5:30 p.m.