WBK: Warriors win fourth straight

Westmont Women’s Basketball (11-3) stretched its winning streak to four games with an 81-46 victory over the Golden Eagles of La Sierra (4-9) on Friday afternoon at Murchison Gymnasium. Celina Gougis drained four three-pointers on five attempts to lead the Warriors with 17 points in 19 minutes of play. She also notched four rebounds and three assists.

The Warriors jumped out to a 12-4 lead in the early going but saw La Sierra respond with a 6-0 run to draw within two. Karlie Storkson, who has made two three-point shots in each of the last three games, drained her first long-distance basket to put the Warriors up 15-10.

After La Sierra’s Destiny Melton scored on a layup to make the score 15-12, the Warriors rattled off 11 unanswered points to take a commanding 26-12 advantage with seven minutes to play in the first half. By the intermission, Westmont had built a 42-21 lead.

Aysia Shellmire started things off in the second half with a quick jumper that was answered by Melton. Then, Gougis stepped up and put the game away. On each of the next three Warrior possessions, Gougis drained a three to put the Warriors up by 30 (53-23) with 17:52 remaining in regulation. The Warriors led by no less than 28 points the rest of the way.

Krissy Carr tallied 12 points for the Warriors as she also made four three-pointers. Karr added three rebounds and four assists. Storkson contributed eight points and four rebounds to the Warrior cause.

The Warriors shot 51.7 percent from the field (31 of 60) with all 13 available players getting on the scoreboard. La Sierra was held to just 36.0 percent from the field (18 of 50) and did not convert a three-point attempt.

The Warriors will bring their homestand to an end tomorrow when they host Great Falls (Mont.) at 5:30 pm. The 13-1 Argos are unranked but have been receiving votes in the NAIA National Coaches Top-25 Poll. Great Falls is led by junior guard Erin Legel who is averaging 21.1 points per game, which is fifth best in the NAIA. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.