By Ivan Sitohang
The Pirate women finished the regu- lar season with 10-4 record. Their recent loss against the Orcas at Whatcom put the Lady Pirates at second place in the North Division.
The Pirate women have clinched a spot in the play-off in the 2017 NWAC Basketball Championship before the game against the Skagit Valley Cardinals.
However, they are still aiming to fin- ish the regular season as high as possible. Facing the North Division leader, The Lady Pirates expected to give an explosive performance to overcome The Cardinals.
From the start of the game, both Pi- rates and Cardinals put on an aggressive display.
The Pirates were down 22-26 in the first quarter, but they closed the gap by ending the first half 35-36 for the Cardinals.
Sophomore and second-leading scorer Anaya Rodisha had to end her game early due to a foot injury after she attempted an offensive rebound. Her injury was a turning point.
Things got tougher for the Lady Pirates in the second half. With Jenise Mcknight sidelined due to a high number of personal fouls, The Pirate struggled to collect points through the paint. The Cardinals outscored Lady Pirates in the third quarter 15-9.
The Pirates tried to utilize Sephora Yayouss and Alicia Dugan with three point as a change of gameplan. The tac- tics worked with Dugan draining three three-pointers out of four attempts, but she didn’t get enough. The Pirates lost 59-66.
Forward Taisha Thomas totaled 16 points and collected 6 rebounds. Alicia Dugan scored 15 points and grabbed 5 re- bounds.While Sephora Yayouss put in 12 points with 4 rebounds.
The Athletic department held a celebration at the end of the game to honor The Pirate women sophomores for their success throughout the season. Milan Barnes, Cami Butler, Alicia Dugan, Jenise McKnight, Anaya Rodisha, Jackie Schaubel, Tai Thomas and Sephora Yayouss are the eight Lady Pirates sophomores.
The women will face the Tacoma Titans in the first round of the 16-team tournament in Everett on March 11.