Warriors Douse Defending Champions in 68-41 Crushing Victory

PASCO, Wash. – The Walla Walla Warriors knocked off defending champions Lower Columbia 68-41 in the Sweet 16 of the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, on Thursday at Columbia Basin College.

The #2-seeded Warriors (23-7, 11-5 East) led from start to finish as they opening the game leading 17-8 after the first quarter. Big third and fourth quarters for the Warriors iced the game as their win was the largest margin of victory in the tournament thus far.

Walla Walla enjoyed an impressive 45-22 rebounding margin, with 34 points in the paint. Four players scored double-digit points, led by Paige Pentzer and Emma Leber with 14 points each. Pentzer had 11 rebounds for a double-double. McKenzie Long and Hollie Ziegler each scored 11 points. Darbi Avery was a rebounding machine, pulling in 15 boards.

The Red Devils (19-10, 9-3 West) struggled to shoot overall, going 1-for-21 from behind the arc while making 23 percent of their shots from the fllor. Aivine Soakai had 12 points while Katelynn Forner had 10 points, six rebounds and three steals.

The Warriors move onto the quarterfinals where they will take on Peninsula at 2 p.m. on Friday.

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