Evergreen brings end to four-game losing streak
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Led by a strong defensive effort, The Evergreen State Geoducks picked up their first win of the calendar year, defeating the Warner Pacific Knights, 54-45, in a Cascade Collegiate Conference women’s basketball game on Saturday night at CRC Gymnasium in Olympia, Wash.
In the first half, it was the Geoducks (4-12, 2-7 CCC) who got out to the quick lead, holding an 8-2 advantage to force the Knights (10-9, 4-5 CCC) to burn their first timeout. The break in the action turned to be a positive for Warner Pacific, as they scored seven straight to take their first lead of the contest with 14:42 left to play in the opening period.
The teams continued to battle but a four-minute scoreless streak for WPC gave the Geoducks the chance to build a slight lead. The Knights fought back late to take the lead again on a pair of free throws with about 35 seconds left but senior Latrina Woods (Skyway, Wash./La Sierra University) hit a pair of free throws of her own to tie the game up at 28 heading into the break.
WPC took the lead early, pulling ahead by four points less than two minutes in. The Geoducks tied it up about two minutes later and a fast break bucket by Shekia Ward (Steilacoom, Wash./Steilacoom HS) on the next possession gave Evergreen back the lead, 35-33. The game would remain a fight as the Geoducks continued to lead into the later stages of the final period.
The game’s crescendo came at the 3:27 mark when WPC’s Jondi Das was whistled for a flagrant foul, allowing Woods to hit two free throws, followed by a clutch three-pointer by Shavon Tate (Tacoma, Wash./Tacoma CC) that extend the Geoduck lead for 45-42 to 50-42 in a matter of seconds. The Knights put their starters back on the floor and the Geoducks felt the increased pressure but stayed focused as they earned the 54-45 win.
The Geoducks were led by 19 points and six rebounds from Woods. Freshman Danielle Swain (Rainier, Wash./Black Hills HS) had another outstanding night, posting 13 points and 14 rebounds to collect the double-double. Evergreen’s defense was key to getting the win, outrebounding the Knights 38-26 and forcing 25 WPC turnovers on the night.
Warner Pacific was led by 16 points from Layne Tucker. Miranda Holenstein added 10 as the only other Knight in double-digit scoring, also bringing down a team-high four rebounds in the loss.
Evergreen heads down to Oregon next weekend to open up the second half of conference play, taking on Northwest Christian on Friday night in Eugene, Ore.
Game Stats
Upcoming Games
- Friday, January 21 at Northwest Christian College 5:30pm
- Saturday, January 22 at Corban College 5:30pm
- Friday, January 28 at Northwest University 5:30pm
