EvCC Fights, but Falls Short Against Bellevue

Everett, WA –  The women's basketball team took on a tough Bellevue program on Saturday afternoon.  Entering the contest the Bulldogs boasted an 11-5 record and a 2-1 north region record.  That prowess showed early as Bellevue jumped out to a 24-9 lead after the first quarter.  Thirteen turnovers led to the early deficit and it looked as though the visitors would cruise to their third north region victory without resistence.

Everett settled down in the second quarter and took much better care of the basketball, with only two turnovers.  On 50% shooting from the floor, Everett climbed back into the game, but still trailed by 12. Seven different Trojans got in the score column, but were led by Maddy Thoma and Ashlynd Hunt who both had 6. 

The Trojans scored the first seven points of the second half and got within five, but the Bulldogs came up with just enough scoring to prevent a complete comeback.  With seven, third-quarter points from Mia Jones, EvCC outscored Bellevue 21-16, but still trailed by seven heading into the final quarter of action.

The Bulldogs were able to stretch the lead back out to eleven until an eight point run, capped by an Abbie Juozapaitis three ball cut the deficit to three with just over six minutes to play.  EvCC kept things close through the next three minutes, but six straight free throws to close out the final two minutes sealed it for BC by a final score of 87-75.   

Everett was led in scoring by Maddy Thoma and Abbie Juozapaitis who each had 15, and Mia Jones added 11.  Kendall Carroll scored 10 off the bench and brought down five rebounds.  Freshman Jayda Pittman also had her best game of the season scoring nine points off the bench. 

The Trojans will play their next game on Wednesday next week against rivals, Edmonds College.  The Tritons are 9-4 on the season and are one of the better rebounding teams in the NWAC, averaging 27.2 per game.  T-Trophy points are on the line in this matchup and tip off is set for 5:00pm.