Trojans Open Up 2025-26 Season with a Win in Tacoma

Tacoma, WA - Everett tipped off the 2025-2026 season at the Titan Classic over the weekend, beginning with a big 59-39 point win over Tacoma CC and a narrow 49-45 overtime loss to Highline. 

In the opener, against host Tacoma CC, Everett established control early through the play of Myah Galdeira, who carried the offense with confident shooting and smart playmaking. Galdeira finished with a game-high 19 points, adding 7 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists in a standout two-way performance. Jordan Hentel added consistent scoring as well, contributing 14 points and 6 rebounds, helping Everett build separation as Tacoma struggled to convert offensively.

Turnovers proved to be the story for Tacoma. They committed 30 turnovers, frequently allowing Everett to convert defensive pressure into transition opportunities. Despite strong inside performances from Laney Green, who led Tacoma with 14 points, and Ikunaday Filipe, who added 9 points, the team couldn't overcome the miscues or find rhythm from the perimeter).

Everett received quality contributions across the lineup. Kelsee Hunt anchored the interior with a team-high 10 rebounds, while Selena Espinoza and Kaila Oudom added key defensive stops and combined for 12 points. Off the bench, Brynn Meno provided a spark with 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

Everett's defense tightened further in the second half, holding Tacoma to just 39 total points on 28.9% shooting. Tacoma stayed active on the boards, but Everett's pressure and timely outside shooting made the difference. With Galdeira controlling the tempo and Everett capitalizing on nearly every Tacoma mistake, the visitors steadily pulled away to secure the 20-point victory.

The next day against Highline, Everett felt the effects of playing with a small roster on back to back days.  In less than 16 hours, the Trojans were back on the court.  It was a sluggish start, getting outscored 11-2 in the first quarter, but EvCC bounced back to outscore Highline 10-8 in the second quarter, and trailed by 7 at the break.  

Everett reclaimed the lead in the third quarter by outscoring the Thunderbirds 14-5 in the third quarter led by Selena Espinoza's two knock down threes.  Highline trailed in the 4th quarter all the way up until 38 seconds to go when they tied the game at 37.  Neither team could score in their final possessions forcing overtime.  Highline took the advantage by knocking down a three and followed that up with a field go to lead by 5.  Still Everett never backed down and Brynn Meno hit her 4th three of the weekend (after not having a single attempt from downtown last season) to Bring Everett to within one with 23 seconds to go.  But Highline was able to knockdown their free throws and picked up the win.  

The Trojans had three players score nine points, Espinoza, Kaila Oudom, and Brynn Meno (off the bench).  Neither team shot the ball particularly well, but Highline held the advantage on the glass, something the Trojans will emphasize in the upcoming games.

Everett's next contest will be at home on Monday night against 4-1 Wenatchee Valley College.  Tip off is at 7pm.