Box Score BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Wolves battled in their two game season opener against the Eagles of Northwest Indian College but fell short in both. Saturday night NIC came away with a 58-51 win and then again on Sunday for a score of 66-58.
 
Right away the Wolves started off strong with a quick three from Kassidy Kuykendall but the Eagles countered with back to back 2 pt. conversions. The game was a battle throughout with a maximum lead of 8 points by NIC. Despite the score, 16-12 NIC, in the end of the first, WWU led with an impressive 50% behind the arc and 39% in the field to NIC's 33% and 37%, respectively.

The second quarter had a slow start with Grace Wallace putting up the first two points in a drive 2 minutes in. That only woke up the Eagles as they continued to push and keep their lead. Charity Underwood hit 2 crucial 3-pointers to keep the deficit low, ending the half 33-28.
 
For the first time in the game the Wolves outscored the Eagles by shutting down their offensive opportunities and converting on turnovers. Key contributors were Charity Underwood, Christina Thermidor, and Lauren Pernu. The momentum carried through to the 4^th quarter where the battle continued in back and forth play. With 2:35 left on the clock, NIC led 51-50 and pulled away from there. The Wolves shot a game high of 41.7% in the field, 50% behind the three and 75% from the line, but it wasn't enough to pull away with the win. Eagles win 58-51.
 
Walla Walla (0-1) had three players in double figures led by Charity Underwood's 11 points. Kassidy Kuykendall added 10 points (2-2 behind the arc) and Lauren Pernu contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Grace Wallace also had double figures rebounding with 10 boards.
 
 
The Wolves came back Sunday afternoon ready to play. The first half was proof they were ready for another battle. The half ended 33-31 with NIC on top. Christina Thermidor broke out leading the team with 13 points while Lauren Pernu led the rebounding efforts with 10 boards for a team total of 24 over NIC's 10.

The pace switched in the second half. The Wolves came short on the offensive end but stayed aggressive defensively, forcing 12 turnovers and committing 9 of their own. NIC lead in rebounds and added a 6 point lead to end the game 66-58.

Junior Christina Thermidor led the team with 20 points and contributed 9 rebounds as well. Grace Wallace added 10 points and Kassidy Kuykendall had 10 points and 6 assists for the Wolves. Lauren Pernu led the team with 12 rebounds.

The Wolves will be back in action for their first home games this coming weekend, Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at noon, taking on the Deacons of New Hope Christian.



 

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