By Ron Smith
December 30, 2019
 
(SANTA CLARITA, Calif.) Tying a team record of points scored in a single game, #4 Westmont Women's Basketball (9-2) surged in the second half past the Tigers of #20 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) to post a 109-80 win in a non-conference match-up at The Master's.
 
The Tigers (11-5) are an NAIA Division II team that leads both divisions in scoring, averaging 105 points per game.
 
"You wouldn't guess it when you see our opponents scored 80 points, but we played good transition defense," noted Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. "We did a good job finding shooters and limiting them to six threes."
 
"We knew going in that Olivet plays a unique style of basketball. Every minute or so, they sub out all five players. They press and try to keep an up-tempo pace throughout the game."
 
"Our strengths match-up well with that style of play because our guards can handle pressure and everyone on our team can shoot the three," explained Moore. "We were able to get through the pressure and find open shooters."
 
The Warriors trailed 27-21 after the first quarter and held just a two-point lead (49-47) at the half. Westmont dominated the second half, however, outpacing their opponent 60-33.
 
The 109-point total tied the Warrior record that was set on November 21, 2005 when Westmont defeated Pacific Union 109-24 in the fourth game of Moore's career as Westmont head coach.
 
Westmont shot 59.4% from the floor (41 of 69), including 53.1% from beyond the arc (17 of 32). After the first quarter, Westmont made 16 of their 25 attempts from 3-point range (64.0%).
 
Sophomore guard Stefanie Berberabe led all scorers with 23 points, going 10 of 17 from the floor. She also tallied nine assists and five rebounds.
 
Iyree Jarrett, also a sophomore guard, nearly notched a triple-double, recording 21 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds.
 
There have only been two triple-doubles in Westmont Women's Basketball history. The first was by Amber Stevens in her second collegiate game on November 5, 2006 against Robert Morris (Ill.). The second was by Tugce Canitez against Carroll (Mont.) in a game the Warriors won 56-55 on November 19, 2012.
 
Senior guard Maud Ranger recorded 17 points and nine rebounds while junior point guard Lauren Tsuneishi added another 17 points and sophomore guard Krissy Miyahara contributed 14 points.
 
Westmont's next opponent will be against the Pandas of Alberta (Canada) on Thursday, January 2 at Murchison Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.