Peninsula Punches Ticket Back to Final Four with 68-60 Win Over Walla Walla

PASCO, Wash. – The Peninsula Pirates defeated a tough Walla Walla squad 68-60 to advance to the Final Four of the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy.

The #1 seed Pirates (21-4, 12-2 North) used their size and athleticism to get to the basket often, scoring 40 points in the paint compared to Walla Walla's 22. Getting out to a halftime lead of 31-19, the Pirates kept pace in the second half to stave off the late Warrior rally.

Ituau Tuisaula led the team with another double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds along with four blocks. Emilia Long sliced her way to 19 points to go with four rebounds and four steals. Jenilee Donavan finished with 12 points, all coming on three pointers.

The #2 seed Warriors (22-7, 11-5 East) found themselves behind after the first half as their shooting started cold going 7-for-30. The offense picked up in the second half, but the Pirates also ramped up the scoring to match.

McKenzie Long led Walla Walla with 19 points, making four threes. Paige Pentzer had 13 points and five rebounds. Dylan Lovett added 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The Pirates move onto the Final Four for the second year in a row, where they will take on Lane on Saturday, March 18 at 3 p.m. at Columbia Basin College.

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