NAMPA, ID – The Northwest Nazarene women's basketball team hosted the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets on Saturday the 14th for their senior night game. In an amazing final home game the Nighthawks walked away with the 71-44 victory.
NNU and MSUB came out strong in the first quarter, trading baskets and staying aggressive on both ends of the court. Cassie Chesnut led MSUB early with a pair of jumpers and a three-pointer, while Rae Smart added points in the paint to keep the Yellowjackets ahead.
NNU responded with timely scoring from Beaux Bruegman and a three-pointer from Claire Fischer, keeping the Nighthawks within striking distance. The quarter featured solid defensive efforts on both sides, including rebounds and steals by Sadi Clemons, Kelly Garrity, and Trinidie Nichols.
Despite the back-and-forth scoring, Montana State Billings held a slim lead at the end of the first quarter, 15-12.
The second quarter opened with Kelly Garrity hitting a jumper to put NNU ahead, setting the tone for another back-and-forth frame. Kendall Clark and Beaux Bruegman added key baskets for the Nighthawks, while MSUB relied on Cassie Chesnut, Brooklynn Brennan, and Kaitlin Grossman to keep the Yellowjackets close. Both teams continued to showcase strong defense, with multiple steals, blocks, and rebounds keeping the score tight. Trinidie Nichols hit a three-pointer and went to the free-throw line to help NNU maintain a slim edge, while Kyla Momberg contributed for MSUB with timely buckets and defensive plays.
By halftime, the game remained tightly contested, with NNU holding on to a 31-26 lead.
The third quarter kicked off with Northwest Nazarene trying to maintain momentum, as Kendall Clark took an early jumper to set the tone. The Nighthawks continued to find rhythm offensively, with contributions from Clark, Trinidie Nichols, Allie Hueckman, and Beaux Bruegman, hitting key baskets, three-pointers, and tip-ins. Montana State Billings fought back with points from Cassie Chesnut, Allison Kunze, Brooklynn Brennan, and Kyla Momberg, but NNU's defense pressured the ball and forced turnovers. The Nighthawks built up a clear advantage as the quarter came to a close with them leading, 55-32.
NNU controlled the pace in the final quarter. Beaux Bruegman hit an early 3-pointer, and Jené Wells added scoring with a smooth jumper. Trinidie Nichols contributed with a layup and a pair of free throws, while Rylie Edlefsen and Claire Fischer added key baskets off offensive rebounds. Montana State Billings managed some points from free throws and a 3-pointer by Katelyn Hamilton, but the Nighthawks' defense created turnovers and limited opportunities. NNU maintained their momentum, hitting timely jumpers and layups to keep the lead growing. The Nighthawks closed the game strong, walking away with a 71–44 victory.
Beaux Bruegman led the Nighthawks with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Trinidie Nichols followed with 15 points, 10 steals, and 10 rebounds.
The Nighthawks will be on the road for the final stretch of their conference season. The first game is set for Thursday the 19th against Saint Martin's in the Marcus Pavilion.
