Storybook Season Continues for Green River, Advancing to NWAC Final Four with 83-79 Win Over Clackamas

PASCO, Wash. – The Green River Gators became the first team to advance to the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship Final Four, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, with a 83-79 win over Clackamas on Thursday at Columbia Basin College.

Making their first tournament appearance since 2004, the Gators season continues to be one of the best stories in the NWAC this year. Green River finished with a 6-16 record a season ago and are now in the Final Four.

After falling behind big in their tournament opener against Wenatchee Valley, the #1-seeded Gators (23-3, 11-1 West) reversed roles and jumped out to a 22-9 first quarter lead. The Cougars battled back during the second and third quarters, putting up 33 points in the third quarter alone to go up 60-58.

Green River once again showed poise late in the game, making 7-of-9 free throws to win 83-79.

Both teams shot the ball well from behind the arc, with the Gators connecting on 12 threes and the Cougars draining 10.

Bayleigh Harder led GRC with 19 points and seven assists. Janae Kalama 18 points, six boards and four assists. Saydee Anderson added 17 points.

For Clackamas, Kylie Fernstrom continued her impressive tournament with 23 more points and nine boards. Mia Martineau had 18 points going 5-for-9 on threes. Katie Kathan had 15 points and five rebounds.

The Gators move onto the NWAC semifinals where they will face fellow #1 seed and tournament host Columbia Basin, next Saturday, March 18, at 1 p.m.

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