Four players scored in double figures, including two double-doubles, as Seattle University dominated every stat on its way to an 80-38 victory over Chicago State Saturday afternoon in women's basketball action at the Connolly Center.
Elle Kerfoot (Surrey, B.C.) was a perfect 6-for-6 from behind the three-point line in leading all players with 18 points. With her fourth three-pointer of the game in the first minute of the second half, she became the program's all-time leader in made three-pointers, passing Ashley Payne's previous record of 168 made three-pointers.
"It's an honor, and it's very exciting. I didn't realize I was that close until the other day," Kerfoot said. "It was a great team win today. Everybody contributed and moved the ball well, which opened up different things for different people."
Talisa Rhea (Juneau, Alaska) notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists, plus she pulled down six rebounds and earned two steals. Kacie Sowell (Ventura, Calif.) earned her third double-double in as many games and eighth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Sylvia Shephard (Alta Loma, Calif.) also scored 10 points, all in the first half to help the Redhawks establish their advantage.
Seattle U scored the first 14 points of the game and held Chicago State scoreless until Natalie Marlowe hit a three-pointer with 10:30 remaining in the first half. A 15-2 Redhawk run over a five-minute span later in the half increased the home team's lead to 32-7 with 4:43 left before halftime, as the Redhawks forced the Cougars into 15 first-half turnovers that led to 15 Seattle U points.
Kerfoot's fifth three-pointer of the game punctuated a 21-7 Seattle U run at the start of the second half to give the Redhawks a 57-20 advantage. Seattle U held Chicago State to 25.9 percent shooting from the field in the game (14-of-54), including 1-of-15 from behind the three-point line, plus the Redhawks dominated the boards, 51-26, and dished out a season-high 26 assists during the afternoon.
Ashley Ward (Irvine, Calif.) earned eight points and seven rebounds, while Brenda Adhiambo (Mombasa, Kenya) also scored eight points while pulling down six rebounds. For the game, Seattle U shot 52.4 percent (33-of-63) from the field, including 9-of-23 from behind the three-point line. All 13 active players saw action for the Redhawks. Jasmine Lemon (Renton, Wash.) scored a season-high four points, while fellow freshman Jessi Williamson (Tacoma, Wash.) made one free throw for the first point of her collegiate career.
"I liked the unselfishness. To have Elle break the career three-point record is a great honor for her, we needed her to score more. I'm glad we had an opportunity to get everyone in the game. We are going to play these guys again, and we know it's going to be tough. They are a hard, scrappy team. This was a good game for us coming off a tough loss. I am proud of our team and I just want us to continue to get better," Seattle U head coach Joan Bonvicini said.
Chicago State (2-15) was led by Janay Dockery, who scored 10 points and dished out four assists. Caneka Davis earned nine points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Paris Williams contributed seven points, five rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Chicago State's 38 points were the fewest allowed by Seattle University since the Redhawks held Pacific Lutheran to 37 points Dec. 1, 2009, in a 75-37 victory. The 42-point victory is the largest margin of victory for the Redhawks since Seattle U defeated Cascade College, 102-28, on Dec. 28, 2008.
Seattle University (11-7) hits the road next week to face two Big West opponents, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17, against Pacific beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a contest at UC Irvine next Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. The Redhawks return to the Connolly Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, to face BYU starting at 7 p.m.