NAMPA, ID – The Northwest Nazarene Women's basketball team struggled to spark a comeback on Saturday the 21st as they went head to head with Western Oregon. As the Nighthawks couldn't find momentum the Wolves rallied together to take the, 68-58 win.
Northwest Nazarene opened the quarter with strong defensive pressure, controlling the boards and forcing early misses. Allie Hueckman got the Nighthawks on the board first, knocking down a fastbreak three off a Sadi Clemons assist to make it 3-0.
Kendall Clark added two finishes inside to keep NNU in front, while Western Oregon briefly grabbed an 11-10 lead midway through the period. The Nighthawks responded with energy off the bench, as Jené Wells converted in transition and Beau Bruegman knocked down two three-pointers to spark a run.
Hueckman closed the quarter with another three in the final seconds, sending NNU into the second quarter with a 21-13 lead.
Western Oregon opened the second quarter with a tip-in to trim the deficit, but Kendall Clark answered with a fastbreak layup to keep NNU in front. The Wolves continued to battle back, cutting the lead to one possession after a three-pointer and several finishes inside.
Sadi Clemons knocked down two free throws, and Rylie Edlefsen added a jumper to steady the Nighthawks. Jené Wells later converted a three-point play to give NNU a cushion. Despite late pressure from Western Oregon, Northwest Nazarene held a 36-32 lead at halftime.
As the third quarter got under way WOU got to work with a layup and quickly tied the game at 36-36 before using a jumper and a three-pointer to take a 41-36 lead.
Kelly Garrity hit two free throws and Claire Fischer added a putback to keep NNU close, but the Wolves continued their run with another late three. Kendall Clark scored inside in the final seconds, and NNU trailed 49-43 heading into the fourth.
Sadi Clemons opened the fourth quarter with a layup off a Kelly Garrity assist to cut the deficit to four, but Western Oregon answered immediately with a layup and continued to build momentum. A jumper and a tip-in pushed the Wolves' lead to double digits midway through the quarter.
Trinidie Nichols added a jumper, and Garrity knocked down a fastbreak three to bring NNU within nine, but Western Oregon
responded with key buckets and free throws down the stretch to maintain control.
Kendall Clark scored twice in the final minute, and Hadley Craig added a late jumper, but the Nighthawks ultimately fell 68-58.
Kendall Clark led the Nighthawks with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Trinidie Nichols followed with 8 points, 3 steals, and rebounds.
The Nighthawks will compete in their final regular season game of the year on Saturday the 28th at Central Washington University. The game is set for 1:00 pm Pacific Time.
