SOU women celebrate playoff win at Warner Pacific
Third Time is the Charm, SOU Women Advance
PORTLAND, Ore. – Southern Oregon avenged a lopsided loss to Warner Pacific a mere five days ago with a 68-55 CCC Quarterfinal win in Portland tonight at C.C. Perry Gym.
The #7 seeded Raiders dropped the two previous meetings this season versus the #2 seeded Knights, but emerged victorious the third time around. In their final two regular season contests, the host Knights had been shooting over 55 percent from the field, but could muster just 31 percent (22-71) tonight.
The two sides played a see-saw first half, with the score tied three times and the lead changing hands 3 times. Stephanie Rider gave WPC a 31-29 lead at the break thanks to a pair of free throws.
The second period did not begin as planned for WP as the team opened the half with four turnovers in their first five possessions. The Raiders took advantage with an 8-0 run in the first four minutes, gaining the lead and never relinquishing it.
Krystal Smith came alive for SOU in the second half, hitting 5 of 6 shots to help the Raiders build a 17 point lead late in the period. The Knights tried to climb back in the game behind the hustle of Kelsey Mattsen (9 points in the half), but Southern hit 14 of 20 free throws down the stretch to salt away the playoff win.
Jacki Speer scored 20 points and pulled down 15 rebounds to lead SOU. Smith finished with 16 points, and Jamie Roupp added 14 points and 5 assists.
The Knights were led by Shayla Fetters who had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kristina Schumacher chipped in with 11 points.
Southern Oregon (20-10) will now travel to #1 seed College of Idaho for a Friday night semifinal match up. Warner Pacific’s season ends with a 18-10 record.