Burnaby, B.C. – The Northwest Nazarene women's basketball team traveled to Burnaby on Thursday the 5th to compete against Simon Fraser University. In a tight fought battle the Nighthawks stayed determined and walked away with the 77-71 victory.
Northwest Nazarene wasted no time getting into a rhythm in the opening quarter. Kelly Garrity and Allie Hueckman knocked down early three-pointers, while Kendall Clark attacked the basket to keep pressure on Simon Fraser.
On the defensive end, the Nighthawks forced turnovers and limited second chances, with Sadi Clemons and Trinidie Nichols creating steals and hustle plays. NNU maintained control through the quarter and carried momentum into the second ahead, 18-13.
The second quarter saw momentum swing back and forth as both teams traded runs. Simon Fraser found success from the perimeter, led by Sophie Bergeron and Haley de Walle, while Northwest Nazarene stayed within striking distance behind timely buckets from Allie Hueckman and Kelly Garrity. Kendall Clark added points at the free-throw line, and the Nighthawks continued to generate steals and defensive pressure to slow SFU's pace. The teams headed into half time with the Red Leafs in the lead, 40-32.
The third quarter remained tightly contested as both teams traded stops and scoring runs. Kendall Clark continued to attack inside, finishing through contact and battling for second-chance opportunities, while Allie Hueckman anchored the defensive effort on the glass. Northwest Nazarene forced several turnovers throughout the quarter, with steals from Clark, Claire Fischer, and Trinidie Nichols helping keep the Nighthawks within reach.
Midway through the period, NNU found momentum behind a three from Kelly Garrity and another from Jene Wells, trimming the deficit as the defense held Simon Fraser to contested looks. Nichols closed the quarter by calmly knocking down a pair of free throws, capping a hard-fought stretch and giving the Nighthawks back a slim, 52-50 lead.
Beaux Bruegman sparked the fourth with deep threes, while Trinidie Nichols and Kendall Clark dominated on defense and pushed the Nighthawks in transition. Claire Fischer drove hard to the rim, keeping NNU in striking distance.
As the clock ticked down, Nichols sank a clutch free throw, Hueckman drained a key jumper, and timely steals turned the momentum in NNU's favor, helping the Nighthawks seize the lead and hold on for a thrilling finish taking the 76-71 victory.
Kendall Clark led the Nighthawks with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Allie Hueckman followed with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Beaux Bruegman also contributed 11 points.
Riding the momentum of the road win the Nighthawks will travel to Bellingham Washington to compete against Western Washington on Saturday the 7th at 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
