BELLINGHAM, WA – The Northwest Nazarene women's basketball team traveled to Bellingham on Saturday the 7th to compete against Western Washington University. In a tough road match up the Nighthawks struggled to find a spark and fell to the Vikings 82-54.
Western Washington struck first just 23 seconds in when Joy Haltom hit a three. Northwest Nazarene answered with a Sadi Clemons layup, but the Vikings kept pressure on with buckets from Demi Dykstra and another triple from Haltom.
NNU stayed within reach behind three-pointers from Claire Fischer, Trinidie Nichols, and Beaux Bruegman, cutting into the deficit midway through the quarter. Western Washington pulled away late as Aspen Garrison knocked down multiple jumpers, sending the Vikings into the second quarter with a 24–11 advantage.
The Vikings opened the quarter with Joy Haltom hitting a three, quickly extending the lead. Northwest Nazarene fought back at the line with Trinidie Nichols and Allie Hueckman, and Beaux Bruegman added a three to keep NNU within reach.
WWU stayed in control behind Aspen Garrison's jumper and free throws and strong finishes from Demi Dykstra and Vivienne Berrett, carrying a 46–23 lead into halftime.
As the third quarter got underway Western Washington opened strong with a Libby Stump layup, and though Northwest Nazarene hit a three from Allie Hueckman and added free throws from Sadi Clemons, Claire Fischer, and Trinidie Nichols, the Vikings stayed in control. WWU kept the pressure on with points from Vivienne Berrett, Aspen Garrison, Demi Dykstra, Eden Sander, and Joy Haltom, while NNU managed a few late baskets, including a Trinidie Nichols jumper, but trailed 66–37 heading into the fourth.
The final quarter of the game saw both teams struggle to find an offensive rhythm. With multiple uncapitalized plays the Nighthawks struggled to cut into the Vikings lead. WWU added a couple of three pointers throughout the game, creating just enough momentum to keep NNU at bay. The clock buzzed with Western Washington on top, 82-54.
Trinidie Nichols led the Nighthawks with 9 points and 5 rebounds. Sadi Clemons and Jene Wells also added 8 points apiece.
The Nighthawks will look to regroup as they compete at home next week. They will be hosting Seattle Pacific University on Thursday the 12th at 5:15 pm.
