By Kaci Mexico

With 24 points and 11 rebounds from sophomore forward Lauren McCoy, #2 Westmont Women's Basketball (23-3, 12-1 GSAC) posted a 72-66 Golden State Athletic Conference win over #10 The Master's (23-4, 13-2 GSAC). With this win, the Warriors are now tied with The Master's for first place in the GSAC standings.

The Warriors were led in rebounding by junior Aysia Shellmire, who recorded a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Krissy Karr added 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals.

"I am proud of these women because they played aggressive – they played to win," reflected head coach Kirsten Moore. "I thought that the whole game was a well-played game by both teams.

"The Master's just shot the lights out in the first half," said Moore. "We tried to stay the course through their run and then obviously tried to pick things up defensively to get some stops because we were just trading baskets with them for a while."

The Master's shot at 51.9 percent from the floor in the first half, while the Warriors shot at 44.1 percent.

"I think offensively we were able to get some good looks," noted Moore. "Lauren McCoy really led us in the first half when we were struggling with shooting. She really set the tone for us with her aggressiveness – she is just a warrior. With her fighting spirit, she really embodies what this team is about."

McCoy had 16 points alone in the first half. She is the second best rebounder in the GSAC, averaging 8.7 a game. She also has the third highest field goal shooting percentage in the GSAC at 49.7.

The first half ended with a score of 36-34, favoring the Warriors.

"In the second half I think we were able to get better shots and we knocked down shots at a higher rate," explained Moore. "We were shooting 55 percent from the floor and 67 from the three-point line in the second half. We were then able to extend and get that little lead in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, we stayed strong and weathered a lot of The Master's really good plays and runs as they tried to cut the lead."

The Warriors outscored The Master's 22-14 in the third quarter and ended the quarter with a ten point lead – their highest lead of the game (58-48). The Master's attempted to bridge the gap in the fourth quarter, but only managed to come within five points (65-60).

Moore shared her thoughts about the team's three remaining GSAC games.

"Every single game from now on is a championship game because we are in control of our own destiny," explained Moore. "We have to look at every single game as an opportunity to win a championship.

"What is exciting for us is the fact that we are undefeated at home and this Saturday is our last home game, so we are looking to finish off strong and honor our seniors on senior night. We have three amazing seniors who have given a lot to this program so it's going to be a big night."

The Warriors will honor seniors Karlie Storkson, Krissy Karr, and Lauren Sende.

"Also, on Saturday the game times are flipped and we will play at 7:30," continued Moore. "We are doing a GSAC – wide play for Kay night raising awareness and funds for cancer research through the Kay foundation. It is a national initiative that takes place in women's basketball games all across the country this time of year, so we will be doing some things for cancer awareness and will honor survivors as well as people that are fighting the fight right now.

This coming Saturday, the Warriors will host San Diego Christian at 7:30 p.m.

Other GSAC games played tonight: Hope International defeated Menlo 62-57 and William Jessup defeated San Diego Christian 67-65.