Submitted by Fox First at Ten on December 1st
By: Whitworth Univ.
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth women's basketball team sank 11 three-point baskets and shot 39.3 percent from behind the arc as the Pirates defeated Colorado College 102-40 on Friday evening in Whitworth Field house.
Whitworth improves to 5-1 overall, while Colorado College falls to 0-6.
"It was an impressive effort by our team tonight," said Whitworth head coach Helen Higgs. "We imposed our will early and really dictated the style of play. Everyone contributed on both ends of the court as we played well both offensively and defensively, forcing 37 turnovers, and shooting."
A layup from Colorado College put the Tigers on the scoreboard first, but the Pirates went on a 13-0 run over the next five minutes of action to jump out to a commanding lead early. The Tigers committed 21 turnovers in the first half, which the Bucs turned into 25 points. Whitworth led by as many as 38 points in the first half and went into the break with a 56-16 lead.
Whitworth did not let up in the second half, opening up with a three-pointer from redshirt freshman Lexie Zappone. The Pirates continued to build a lead as a basket from freshman KC McConnell pushed the Bucs in front by 50 points. Four minutes later, a jumper from freshman Alexis McLeod gave Whitworth an even bigger lead. For the second time this season, the Pirates broke 100 points as freshman Faith Emerson sank a pair of free throws to get the Bucs into triple digits.
The Pirates scored 40 points off of 37 Tiger turnovers. The Bucs pulled down 14 offensive rebounds and got 21 second chance points.
"We need to bring the same level of intensity tomorrow as we take on Pacific Lutheran," Higgs said.
Five Pirates finished the night in double figures. Junior Kayla Johnson and KC McConnell led the Pirates with 16 points apiece. Senior Emily Guthrie added 13 points, including three three-pointers. Junior Jenna Cacchillo chipped in 11 points, while junior Jamie Lyons added 10 points for the Pirates.
Guthrie, Cacchillo and junior Bethany Fleming each had four rebounds to lead Whitworth. Junior Kendra Lahue had a career-high four steals for the Bucs and Guthrie dished out four assists.
Sarah Gunkel led the Tigers with 13 points and nine rebounds. Danielle Davis added nine points and grabbed five boards, while Marissa Gradoz had seven rebounds for Colorado College.
Next up, Whitworth hosts Pacific Lutheran on Saturday at 4:00 pm in the Whitworth Fieldhouse. Whitman College will play Colorado College in Whitworth Fieldhouse at 6:00 pm.
