By Ron Smith
March 6, 2020
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Stefanie Berberabe poured in 19 points – 17 in the first half – to help #3 Westmont Women's Basketball (26-3) advance to the championship game of the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament. The Warriors earned the opportunity to compete for the title with a 74-54 win over William Jessup (20-11).
 
"Stef was amazing in the first half, and amazing all game," said Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. "When Iyree Jarrett got in foul trouble, Stef stepped up in so many ways. Everyone does, and that is what makes our team really special.
 
"We are well balanced and have so many weapons. When one person is in foul trouble, or something is not working, we can go to a different look. That is one of the biggest strengths of our team all year, and it was again tonight."
 
Berberabe also tallied four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
 
Lauren Tsuneishi added 16 points, making four of eight from 3-point range. The junior guard also contributed three assists.
 
"Lauren had that killer-instinct look in her eye," noted Moore. "She has been in so many postseason games that matter. She is so clutch and was shooting to make."
 
Posting a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds was sophomore forward Gabriella Stoll.
 
"Gaby, off the bench, was a huge highlight for us," offered Moore. "She is always a great scorer for us, and she was able to do that as well as bring a presence on the boards for us.''
 
By the end of the first half, Westmont had a 20-13 lead. As the second quarter began, however, Jessup's Liz Gehweiler hit back-to-back threes to cut the margin to one point (20-19).
 
Westmont responded with a quick 8-0 run. Tsuneishi scored from beyond the arc before Stoll scored on a layup. Berberabe then struck from downtown.
 
Jessup would make five 3-pointers in the second quarter; however, the Warriors from Westmont would outscore the Northern California Warriors by seven in that same quarter (24-17).
 
"We were frustrated giving up as many open 3-point looks as we did in the second quarter," acknowledged Moore.  "So, we made some adjustments at halftime that really helped in the second half.
 
"I am proud of the intelligence my players have to be able to make in-game adjustments like that. I thought our defensive effort in the second half was really good."
 
Westmont held serve in the second half, outscoring Jessup 30-24 to claim its 26th victory of the year and its 13th in a row. 
 
Tomorrow, Westmont will match up with The Master's to play for the tournament crown. The Mustangs defeated Vanguard 77-64 to reach the championship.
 
"We have had two tough battles with The Master's this year," said Moore. "They are really talented and have the best player in the nation on their team (Stephanie Soares). We are going to do everything we can to put ourselves in a position to make each other better out there. We have to do it collectively. We are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity."
 
Tip-off in Murchison Gymnasium is scheduled for five o'clock.