By Ron Smith
January 10, 2024
 
(AZUSA, Calif.) Westmont Women's Basketball (6-9, 3-5 PacWest) found the going tough on Wednesday evening at first-place Azusa Pacific (13-3, 7-0), falling to the Cougars 72-42. The Warriors kept the game close in the first half, but couldn't keep pace in the second half.
 
Westmont was down 16-8 in the opening frame before holding the Cougars scoreless for the final two and one-half minutes. A layup by Isabella Pearson and a jumper by Bailey Fong made the score 16-12 headed into the second quarter.
 
Four minutes into the second period, Kate Goostrey connected on a couple of free throws to tie the game at 19. Then, Molly Garnand scored on a jumper in the paint after a steal by Sage Kramer, putting the Warriors on top 21-19.
 
Another steal by Kramer on the Cougar's next possession led to two free throws by Garnand, extending Westmont's advantage to 23-19.  However, Azusa Pacific outscored Westmont 11-2 in the last half of the second quarter, resulting in a five-point advantage (30-25) for the Cougars at half time.
 
The second half belonged to Azusa who outscored Westmont 42-17.
 
Garnand led the Warriors in scoring with 12 points while Fong added nine points. Destiny Okonkwo recorded seven points and nine rebounds.
 
The Warriors will be back in action on Saturday, traveling to Irvine to take on the Golden Eagles of Concordia (6-8, 4-4) in a 4:00 p.m. game.