Second-ranked Westmont went on a 20-1 run in the second quarter and knocked off NAIA top-ranked Vanguard in the GSAC women’s basketball opener on Tuesday night at Murchison Gym.
It was Westmont’s first win over Vanguard in two years. The Warriors are 8-1 overall and 1-0 in the GSAC while Vanguard is 4-1, 0-1.
Vanguard’s Lauren Martin nailed a 3-pointer to give the Lions a 17-15 lead before Westmont took over the game.
Senior Lauren Sende initiated this impressive run, when she scored three consecutive layups, two of which were assisted by junior Aimee Brakken. Junior Cora Chan added on a 3-pointer and a layup, senior Krissy Karr notched a 3-pointer, and junior Aysia Shellmire concluded the run with a jump shot and a layup.
Coach Kirsten Moore attributed the team’s success in the second frame to its defensive work and rebounding. Overall, the Warriors outrebounded the Lions 37-36 and 25-9 in the second quarter. Lauren McCoy had the team high with 11 rebounds – nine of which came in the second period.
The Lions closed the gap to 13 points in the third quarter, but they could not close it any further
Lead by Karr was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points. Chan and Shellmire were close behind with 13 points each.
