EvCC Gets Redemption Win Over Spokane in Home Opener

Everett, WA – Everett Community College hosted the 26^th annual Women's Basketball Classic over a snowy weekend in Everett.  Snowfall earlier in the week placed uncertainty on whether or not the tournament could take place, but a break in the weather allowed safe travels for programs from Spokane, Moses Lake, Oregon City, Bellingham, and Mount Vernon. 

In the opening games on Friday, the tournament started off with a thriller, Big Bend CC and Whatcom CC going into overtime with the north region Orcas coming out on top 87-86.  The next game was not near as close as Clackamas defeated north region foes Skagit Valley 88-50.

The Trojans took on Spokane in the night cap, a team that EvCC lost to in the opening round of the NWAC playoffs a season ago.  Eager for redemption, the Trojans came out with defensive tenacity and held Spokane to just 6 first quarter points on 16% shooting from the floor.  Offensively the Trojans struggled as well shooting 21%, but held on to an 8-6 lead by the end of the 1^st quarter.

The Trojans used a pair of threes and improved shooting from the floor to build out to a lead as much as 10 in the 2^nd quarter.  Spokane closed the gap by halftime but only slightly and EvCC went into the break with a 22-14 lead. Three Trojans led the way in scoring with seven each from Ashlynd Hunt, Sophia MacKenzie, and Grace Trichler.  Most impressively was EvCC's effort on the glass, out-rebounding Spokane 27-14.

Everett built the lead back out to ten with four minutes to play in the third quarter, and then extended to 12 on a Grace Trichler floater in the lane her 9^th points of the night.  By the end of the 3^rd, Spokane scored five consecutive points, finishing with a three to cut the lead to seven. 

In a low scoring game, the Trojans saddled up for another defensive quarter.  The first bucket was not scored until two minutes in on a Mikail Montez layup putting the Trojans back up by 9.  Spokane scored six straight to trim into the margin, and then hit a three with just over two minutes to play to draw within six.  Grace Trichler then responded with a three of her own to all but seal the game and EvCC went on to win their first regular season home game of the year 48-41.

Trichler led the way with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.  Two more freshman Hunt and MacKenzie each finished with 9 points.  Sophomore Mikail Montez had a tough night from the floor with just four points, but contributed in a big way with 13 rebounds and 5 assists.  As a team EvCC forced 22 turnovers and came away with 13 steals while out-rebounding Spokane 52-31.

Everett will take on Big Bend CC on day two of the tournament with a 4pm start.