NAMPA, Idaho - The Nighthawks were back home on Friday the 21st as they hosted the GNAC-PacWest Crossover tournament. Their first match up of the season was against the Westmont Warriors at 7:30 pm. In an exciting match-up the teams battled to the very end with the blanks coming out on top, 66-65.    

The NNU team struggled early in the first quarter battling with keeping control of the ball. The warriors were able to take advantage of this and build up a fast 11 point lead. Westmont's Bailey Fong drained a three pointer and then the Warriors defense turned around and forced a face turnover resulting in a basket in the paint. In the next possession Fong drained another three to put the score at 15-4. Working to stop Westmont's growing momentum the Nighthawks cracked down on defense and looked to create opportunities on offense. Claire Fischer drained a late three pointer to help the NNU team go into the quarter break only down by 4. 

Coming out in the second quarter Skyler Knight drained a quick three pointer to get the Westmont team's offense going. The Nighthawks kept their composure and continued to chip away at the Warriors lead. After key free throws and baskets in the paint the NNU team took their first lead of the night at 23-22. The teams battled close as the clock ran down and the NNU team made a push at the three minute mark. With back to back threes by Chloe DeHaro and Hadley Craig the Nighthawks led 33-25. After a few Warrior baskets the teams went into halftime with the NNU team up, 35-32. 

As the second half got underway Westmont was able to regain the lead after Molly Garnand put in a layup. As the intensity grew in the gym, so did both teams' foul count. The majority of the third quarter was fought at the free throw line and the Nighthawks were able to stay consistent. The quarter came to an end with the Warriors up, 48-47. 

The NNU team refused to go down easily and pick up the intensity on defense. Forcing key turnovers paired with a drained three from Rylie Edlefsen the Nighthawks overtook the lead, 56-48. As the energy grew in the gym Beaux Bruegman and Fischer drained back to back threes to stretch the Nighthawks lead. The Westmont team made one final push and were able to gain a 1 point lead with 15 seconds remaining. As the clock ticked down Trinidie Nichols found her way to the paint to sink a jumper giving the Nighthawks the 66-65 victory.

Chloe DeHaro led her team scoring 13 points followed by Claire Fischer who recorded 11. DeHaro and Beaux Bruegman also added 3 steals a piece. Holding it down in the paint Hadley Craig and Jené Wells each recorded 6 rebounds. 

The Nighthawks will compete in the second day of tournament play on Saturday the 22nd. Facing off against the Vanguard Lions, the NNU team will hit the court at 3:30 pm.