SEATTLE – The Seattle Pacific University women's basketball team returned from the holiday break with a game against Montana State University Billings on Saturday afternoon, where a late run from the Yellowjackets was too much for the Falcons to overcome.
FROM THE COACH
"Cascadia had a great game," head coach
Karen Byers said. " She came ready to compete, and I'm really proud of how she played.
Grace Leasure was also a big asset as she pushed the pace, got to the rim, and helped the offense move. I will look to both of them more in the future."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The SPU offense found its rhythm midway through the first quarter, scoring eight points over the final 4:10 of the period.
- Naomi Hotchkiss scored a layup, Grace Mertes hit a 3-pointer, and Cascadia Yates knocked down two free throws in the first quarter.
- The Falcons trailed the Yellowjackets 15-9 after the first 10 minutes of the game.
- Yates continued to be a bright spot for the Falcons in the second quarter, scoring eight of SPU's 12 points in the period.
- The Yellowjackets held a 33-21 lead over the Falcons at halftime.
- With 7:11 left in the third quarter, Haylie-Anne Ohta hit a 3-pointer that started an 11-6 run for the Falcons.
- Grace Leasure scored six consecutive points for the Falcons during that stretch.
- The Falcons trailed the Yellowjackets 43-37 after the run.
- MSUB used a 15-0 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to create separation from the SPU.
- The Yellowjackets went on to take the game 58-45.
FROM THE BOX SCORE
- Yates led the Falcons in scoring with 10 points, powered by a 6-for-6 performance from the free throw line.
- Leasure scored eight points, while adding three rebounds, three assists, and six blocks to a solid all-around performance.
- Mertes and Ohta hit two 3-pointers each for the Falcons.
- Layne Kearns and Madison Rubino tied for a team-high seven rebounds for the Falcons.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Yates scored a career-high 10 points for the Falcons on Saturday, including her best free throw shooting performance for the Falcons with six attempts and six makes.
- Yates also set a career high in rebounds with three on Saturday.
UP NEXT
The Falcons play their first conference road games of the season next week when they travel to Saint Martin's on Thursday, Jan. 8, for a 7:00 p.m. game, followed by a contest against Western Oregon on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 2:00 p.m.
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