OLYMPIA, Wash. – A strong-shooting Northwest Eagle team used a strong start to pick up a win over the Evergreen Geoducks, 55-43, in a non-conference women’s basketball on Wednesday night at CRC Gymnasium in Olympia, Wash.

The Eagles (3-1) built the early lead as the Geoducks (0-1) struggled shooting in the opening period.   It wasn’t until the 2:10 mark remaining the first period that Evergreen hit double-digits as the free throw by Sadee Jones (Belfair, Wash./North Mason HS) cut the NU lead to 18-10.  The low-scoring first half ended with NU leading, 27-16.

In the second half, the Geoducks found their stroke as the lead was cut to seven but a 12-0 run by the Eagles put Evergreen down big again.  The grey-clad Geoducks battled back to get within eight with 7:27 left to play but the lead was too much to overcome as Northwest picked up the 55-43 non-conference win between Cascade Conference rivals.

Evergreen was led by 14 points from senior Sammi Clark (Monroe, Wash./Monroe HS/Edmonds CC).  Jones finished with 11 on the night.  The Geoducks outrebounded the Eagles, 34-33, on the night as Evergreen picked up 12 second-chance points.

Northwest was led by 11 points off the bench from Paige Burson, the only NU player in double-digits.  Domi Mendezona had eight assists in the win as the Eagles shot 55.6% from the field, making 20-of-36 attempts.

Evergreen returns to action next Wednesday when they host Montana Tech. Tip with the Orediggers is set for 6 p.m. at CRC Gymnasium in Olympia, Wash.

Box Score