The women’s basketball team overcame an early deficit, increasing the intensity on both ends of the floor to pull away from Western Washington, 64-52, Thursday night in GNAC action at the .
Seattle University opened a 14-8 lead midway through the first half, but Western Washington responded, as Amanda Dunbar hit back-to-back jumpers, Claire Pallansch scored six consecutive Viking points, and Marelle Moehrle hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Vikings a 24-18 lead with four minutes remaining in the first half.
The Redhawks put the game away in a span of 11:40, as SeattleU outscored the Vikings 25-1 at the end of the first half and beginning of the second half to take control of the contest. After shooting only 31.3 percent from the field in the first half, hit 65.4 percent of its second half field goal attempts while holding to 25.9 percent field goal shooting in the second half.
Laina Sobczak () led all players with 16 points, shooting 7-of-9 from the field, plus she earned three steals. Jackie Thomas (, ), one of the sparks of the rally, finished with 13 points and five steals, and Kamrica Ary-Turner () notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, plus she picked up four steals and a blocked shot.
Pallansch, Moehrle, and Tara Holgate each finished with 12 points for Western Washington (3-11, 0-2 GNAC), while scored 11 points in the game. The Vikings did win the rebounding battle, 43-38, led by Holgate’s nine rebounds and Moehrle’s eight boards. However, did commit 26 turnovers, including 16 turnovers in the second half.
’s slow start could be attributed to the first half injury of sophomore guard Cassidy Murillo (), who went down six minutes into the game with a knee problem. She missed the rest of the contest and will be reexamined Friday to determine the extent of her injury.
(11-1, 2-1 GNAC) will host Central Washington Saturday, Jan. 12, beginning at 5 p.m. at the . The Wildcats were unbeaten before losing to Montana State Billings, 58-49, Thursday. The game will be broadcast on the Internet at www.GoSeattleU.com.