OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team opened up the second half of the CCC schedule on Sunday night by picking up their first conference win of the year, a 46-39 victory over The Evergreen State College on the road. Both teams shot under 30% and combined for 42 turnovers in a tough defensive struggle.
A very defensive first half saw NCU crawl out to a 14-1 lead as they held the Geoducks without a field goal for nearly 13 minutes to open the game. Reserve player Kristy-Lee Nahley then rattled off three straight field goals for ESC, including a three-pointer as Evergreen pulled to within 19-14 at halftime. Nahley and NCU’s Lindsey Shearer each had seven points in the half for their respective teams.
The Geoducks continued their rally early in the second half, going on a 7-2 run as they tied the game at 21-21 with 13:49 to play. The Beacons responded strong, using their own 13-0 run to climb ahead 34-21 with ten minutes remaining. ESC got back to within five points on four occasions, but couldn’t finish the deal.
Northwest Christian (9-13, 1-9 CCC) was led by Shearer, posting another complete effort with 14 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Katie Collins came off the bench to score 13, hitting 9-for-12 from the free-throw line. Senior Martha Taylor (pictured) led NCU with a career-high 13 rebounds, scoring four points to go with three steals.
Evergreen (4-15, 2-8) was led by Danielle Swain’s double-double, scoring ten points and a school-record tying 21 rebounds. Sami Clark also scored ten and Nahley finished with her seven first-half points. The Geoducks out-rebounded NCU 43-31 including 17 offensive boards, but couldn’t overcome 26 turnovers.
NCU will be back in action on Monday, traveling to Kirkland, Washington to face Northwest (8-10, 4-6). Evergreen State will play host to Corban University (14-5, 8-2).