San Diego, California - The Northwest Nazarene were overpowered by a strong Point Loma team on Saturday afternoon facing a, 76-56, loss.
The Nighthawks move to 4-2 on the season as they head into conference play next week.
The NNU squad started the game hot on a quick turnover by the Sea Lions that resulted in 2 in the paint by Beaux Bruegman. The PLNU team responded later in the quarter building up a 9-4 lead.
The Nighthawks worked to drive in points in the paint as Sadi Clemens and Allie Hueckman tried to kick start the NNU offense. A late three pointer from the Sea Lions and continuous defensive pressure gave them momentum as the quarter ended, 18-10 in favor of PLNU.
Trying to match pace with the strong PLNU team, Trinidie Nichols sunk a deep shot in hopes to move some momentum to the NNU side. However, Maddie Morrow turned around in the next play and sunk a deep shot of her own for the Sea Lions.
The Sea Lions kept pushing as they stretched their lead. With their shots hot the PLNU team recorded 10-15 from the floor and 3-5 from the three point line. Chloe Deharo and Rylie Edlefsen sank back to back threes helping cut the growing deficit. The teams went into the break with the PNLU team leading 42-28.
NNU's offense came out strong as the second half got underway with Nichols recording 2 threes and a layup. Edlefsen recorded a three of her own and got the Nighthawks within 7 of the Sea Lions.
Both teams struggled to get their offense rolling in the second half of the third quarter with long stretches with no points scored. With the Sea Lions leading the teams went into the final quarter with a score of 60-45.
The final quarter also saw a slower offensive performance from both teams as the Nighthawks looked to make one final push. The NNU team recorded 3-8 from the three point line hoping to shift the momentum with the long shots. However, the Sea Lions stayed constant enough to hold on to their lead.
The buzzer sounded with the PLNU team on top, 76-56.
Trinidie Nichols led her team with 14 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Chloe Deharo also contributed 10 points and 2 steals.
The Nighthawks will take on Central Washington next on December 6th at 1:00 pm as they begin conference play.
