THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Four Warriors scored in double figures as #5 Westmont Women’s Basketball (7-1) posted a 70-52 win over the Regals of California Lutheran (1-3) in Gilbert Arena. Aysia Shellmire and Lauren McCoy each posted 14 points while Cora Chan and Kayla Sato tallied 10 apiece.
“I think it is a good win,” assessed Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. “We started to play a little more consistent – certainly more consistent than last game. We still have things to tighten up and get better at, but I am pleased, certainly, with things I saw out there today”
Shellmire opened the scoring with a layup and a made free throw a minute and one-half into the contest and the Warriors never lost the lead. Westmont led by as much as nine in the first quarter but by the end of the opening frame, the Regals had cut the advantage to just four points (17-13).
California Lutheran employed a full court press in the second quarter, but the strategy did not deter the Warrior offense. Westmont outscored the Regals 22-15 in the second period to gain a 39-28 margin at the intermission.
In the third quarter, Westmont increased the lead to 16 points (52-38) with 1:30 to play, but gave two points back before the quarter ended.
The Regals’ defense stiffened in the fourth quarter, holding Westmont scoreless for the first three minutes while narrowing the score differential to eight (52-44). The Warriors’ shooting hand returned, however, as they scored nine of the next 11 points to take a 64-46 lead with three and one-half minutes remaining in regulation.
Krissy Karr and Morgan Haskin each scored seven points for the Warriors. Karr faced off against former Orange Lutheran High School teammate Jessica Salottolo who led the Regals in scoring with 17 points.
“We had people in foul trouble and our bench really contributed,” noted Moore. “Morgan Haskin had a great game today. We also got Cora Chan back playing with confidence and in the flow of things. Getting them back in the mix will help us moving forward.”
The Warriors will host non-conference opponent Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday afternoon at Murchison Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for two o’clock.
