LA MIRADA — Kelsie Sampson scored 24 points and Esther Lee added 21, leading 12th-ranked Westmont to a 76-52 win over the Eagles of Biola on the opening night of Golden State Athletic Conference play.
“I am really pleased with our presence on the court tonight, specifically on defense,” said Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. “We played with a lot of energy and a lot of togetherness. They set a tone for what this team wants to do this year.”
Guard Cora Chan played a huge part in the win. She led the Warriors in rebounding with eight.
“When we play zone most of the night our guards have to play down,” explained Moore. “Cora was able to do that, which is also a credit to our big people boxing out. That allowed her to get down underneath and scrap for rebounds. It was a total team effort tonight.”
A three-point bucket by Esther Lee started off a strong first half effort for the Warriors, who doubled up the Eagles 40-20 in the opening frame. Sampson had 14 points and Lee recorded 11 in the half. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the floor (16 of 32) before halftime including 50 percent from three-point range (4 of 8).
The second half started off even stronger as the Warriors posted a 20-5 run in the first seven minutes to take a 60-25 advantage.
Biola was led by GSAC Player of the Week Adijat Adams with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four steals – all team highs. The Eagles were held to 31.3 percent shooting (20 of 64) while the Warriors made 47.4 percent (27 of 57).
