By Jeff Raymond
November 16, 2024
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) The Wildcats from Central Washington (4-0) made life difficult for the Warriors on the second night of the PacWest-GNAC Conference Crossover. The visitors used tough defense and timely shooting to pull away from Westmont (1-3) in the second half for a 66-55 victory.
 
"They are a veteran team and their experience showed, especially in the second half," said Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. "I think they have the same five starters as they did last year. I have a ton of respect for them."
 
Sage Kramer scored a pair of buckets to put the Warriors up 7-4 midway through the opening quarter. From that point, both teams struggled to find scoring opportunities for several minutes. Westmont managed a slim 9-8 after the first ten minutes.
 
"I thought we played great defense overall," said Moore. "They came in averaging nearly 90 points a game."
 
Central Washington took its first lead at 10-9 and then a trio of 3-pointers boosted the Wildcats to a 24-16 lead at the 5:16 mark of the second quarter. A Bailey Fong trey and a conventional 3-point play by Noemi Bariteau helped Westmont cut the margin to 30-26 at the half.
 
The third quarter turned out to be the pivotal frame of the game, as a quick six points gave the Wildcats a 36-26 advantage. Kate Goostrey hit a 3-pointer to break the ice for the Warriors, but a pair of bombs by Central Washington increased the margin to 48-35. The largest lead of the game was 14 points when the Wildcats took a 54-39 lead late in the quarter.
 
Westmont continued to battle during the final 10 minutes, cutting the lead into single digits on several possessions. A layup by Kramer made it 58-50 with 4:07 remaining, but the Warriors would get no closer.
 
"We definitely saw some areas where we need to improve," said Moore. "I thought we got out-toughed on the boards."
 
Central Washington won the rebound battle 38-29 and shot 24-of-45 (53.3%) from the field. The Warriors only hit 20-of-62 (32.3%) from the field.
 
Fong led Westmont with 17 points, including three 3-pointers in 24 minutes. She has been limited in playing time while returning from an injury.
 
"It's good to get Bailey some more time," added Moore. " She can be a difference maker for us when she is totally healthy."
 
Bariteau added 15 points and Kramer ended with 12. Lisa Kiefer pulled down 12 boards, her fourth straight game in double figure rebounds.
 
Sunny Huerta led the Wildcats with 24 points.
 
Next up for Westmont will be a home game against California State – San Bernardino on Tuesday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m.