FULLERTON – For just the second time in a 32-game history, Westmont Women’s Basketball (11-6, 2-2 GSAC) fell to the Royals of Hope International (14-4, 3-1). The #21 Royals defeated the #12 Warriors by a score of 60-49.
The Warrior’s shot just 23.1 percent from the floor in the second half (6 of 26) and 30.2 percent for the game (16 of 53). The Royals shot 29.8 percent for the game (17 of 57) but outrebounded the Warriors 44-38.
Westmont turned a 24-22 lead at halftime into a 28-22 advantage early in the second half on layups by Karlie Storkson (4 points) and Esther Lee. The Royals responded with jumpers by Brittany Bauman (10 points) and Andrina Rendon , reducing Westmont’s advantage back to two (28-26) with 16:24 remaining on the clock.
On the next possession, Lee nailed a three-pointer to put the Warriors back up by five (31-26). Over the next eight and one-half minutes, however, the Warriors would be outscored 14-2, giving the Royals a 40-33 advantage with 7:24 left in regulation. Westmont would get no closer than four the rest of the way.
Both teams scored 35 points from field goals but the difference came at the free throw line. Hope International made 25 of 28 points from the charity stripe while the Warriors made 14 of 21. That 11 point differential proved to be the margin of the final score.
Kelsie Sampson led the Warriors in scoring and on the boards with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Esther Lee added 12 points and Erin Beadle had seven points and six rebounds.
The Royals spread the ball around and ended up with five players in double figures. Rendon posted a team high 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Warriors will look to regroup before Tuesday’s showdown with #9 The Master’s at Murchison Gymnasium (16-3, 4-0). Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
