KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Evergreen Geoducks made the postseason for the sixth time in school history but they couldn’t collect the first postseason win in school history, falling to the Oregon Tech Owls, 63-44, in the first round of the 2013 Cascade Conference Women’s Basketball Championship on Tuesday night at Danny Miles Court in Klamath Falls, Ore.
In the first half, senior Dela Jones (Las Vegas, Nev./Scottsdale CC) gave the Geoducks an early lead with a three-pointer just over a minute into the game but Karissa Dixon gave Oregon Tech the lead back about 90 seconds later and the Owls would stay ahead the rest of the half, but not by much. OIT pushed the lead to seven before Randi Boseman (New Orleans, La./Newport HS) cut the gap to five right before the break as Evergreen trailed 26-21 at half.
The Hustlin’ Owls hustled out of the gate in the second half, going on a 7-1 run to push the lead to double-digits with 17:19 left to play. After the Geoducks briefly cut the lead back to five, the Owls flew out to a big lead again as the advantage moved into the high teens. The lead was large enough for Oregon Tech to cruise the rest of the way, earning the 63-44 win to advance in the conference tournament.
Evergreen was led by 13 points from junior Sammi Clark (Monroe, Wash./Edmonds CC). Jessica Edge (Lake Stevens, Wash./Skagit Valley CC) added 11 points in her final game for the Geoducks. Evergreen forced 22 turnovers by the Hustlin’ Owls but the Geoducks shot just 24.6% on the night, making 14-of-57 attempts.
Oregon Tech was led by 14 points and nine rebounds from Kassi Conditt as she just missed the double-double. Karissa Dixon added 12 points in the win, playing 32 of 40 minutes for the Owls. OIT held the advantage on the glass, outrebounding Evergreen, 43-33.
The Geoducks conclude the season at 7-16, having finished tied for sixth in the standings after being picked ninth in the preseason coaches’ poll.