NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene women's basketball opened its 2026-27 campaign in dominant fashion on Friday afternoon, cruising past Walla Walla 107-35 in an exhibition contest at the Johnson Sports Center as part of NNU's Homecoming festivities.
Chloe DeHaro led the Nighthawks with a game-high 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and five assists, shooting 9-of-14 from the field. Rylie Edlefsen Kessinger and Beaux Bruegman added 13 points apiece, while Brooklynn Summers chipped in 12.
NNU wasted little time taking control, opening the contest with a 9-1 advantage before extending its lead to 19-5 midway through the first quarter. The Nighthawks shot 50 percent from the field in the opening period, building a 30-10 lead after 10 minutes of action.
The Nighthawks continued their offensive surge in the second quarter, outscoring the Wolves 26-9 while shooting 55 percent from the floor. A 13-4 run to close the half, capped by a three-pointer from Edlefsen Kessinger, sent NNU into the break with a commanding 56-19 advantage.
Northwest Nazarene maintained its momentum in the third quarter, connecting on five shots from beyond the arc while holding Walla Walla to 11 points. DeHaro, Kelly Garrity, Eden Sander, Edlefsen Kessinger and Bruegman all connected from long range as NNU pushed its lead to 79-30 entering the final period.
The Nighthawks saved their most efficient quarter for last, shooting 73.3 percent from the field and outscoring the Wolves 28-5 over the final 10 minutes to seal the 107-35 victory.
NNU's balanced offensive attack featured seven players in double figures, with all 10 Nighthawks finding the scoring column. Claire Fischer finished with 11 points, six rebounds and five blocks, while Kendall Clark added 10 points. Garrity directed the offense with nine assists to go along with eight points and four steals.
The Nighthawks finished the afternoon shooting 52.4 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three-point range while forcing 32 Walla Walla turnovers. NNU also held a 54-8 advantage in points in the paint and received 55 points from its bench.
By the Numbers:
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NNU shot 52.4 percent from the field (43-of-82) and 42.4 percent from three-point range (14-of-33)
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Chloe DeHaro led all scorers with 21 points, adding eight rebounds, six steals and five assists
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Seven Nighthawks scored in double figures, with all 10 players finding the scoring column
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Kelly Garrity dished out a game-high nine assists as NNU recorded 28 assists on 43 made baskets
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The Nighthawks forced 32 turnovers, recording 21 steals and converting those opportunities into 44 points
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NNU outscored Walla Walla 54-8 in the paint and 55-8 in bench points
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Claire Fischer recorded five blocks to go along with 11 points and six rebounds
