Cougars Topple Cardinals 87-78 to Open NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, Presented by Sun Pacific Energy

PASCO, Wash. – The Clackamas Cougars defeated Skagit Valley 87-78 in the opening game of the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship presented by Sun Pacific Energy, on Wednesday at Columbia Basin College.

The #2-seeded Cougars (22-5, 14-2 South) continued their impressive season and showed their team depth with five players reaching double-digit points. Kylie Fernstrom finished with team-highs of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Callie Glenn had 19 points and six assists as she shot 3-for-4 on three-pointers. Jade Rowely had 13 points while Emma Bales and Mia Martineau each had 10.

Both teams played nearly even in three of four quarters, but it was a big second quarter for Clackamas that was the difference as they outscored SVC 24-17. Rian Porter made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Cougars a 43-36 lead at halftime, a lead they never gave up.

In an offensive game, each team shot over 40 percent from the floor overall. However, it was Clackamas' work at the free-throw line that gave them the edge as they shot 19-for-23 from the charity stripe while the Cardinals went 7-for-10.

The #3-seeded Cardinals (17-11, 10-4 North) were led by a pair of standout performances from Sarah Cook and Kailyn Allison. Cook finished with a double-double of 20 points and 12 boards, adding two steals. Allison matched Cook with 20 points. McKenna Wichers had 10 points and Liv Tjoelker posted 10 assists, seven rebounds and four points.

Clackamas moves onto the quarterfinals and will face the winner of Green River vs. Wenatchee Valley on Thursday at 2 p.m.

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