The Walla Walla University women's basketball team lost a heartbreaker Wednesday evening, when visiting Multnomah University (MU) defeated the Wolves, 68-65 in overtime.
This was a highly contested game, with both teams exchanging the lead throughout.
Early on, the Wolves were looking for high percentage shots near the basket. Freshmen Lauren Bosler, and junior Jackie Shankel each knocked down a couple of early buckets to get the offense going.
Wolves sophomore guard Michaela Garcia, was missing a little bit of early touch on her shot, but she took that opportunity to get her teammates involved. After several nice plays in transition leading to easy baskets, the Wolves found themselves with a 32-25 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, the idea of sharing the basketball continued. Senior post, Lauren McCoy was the early beneficiary of some terrific passes from her teammates. McCoy posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Walla Walla would push it to a nine point lead, before Multnomah began their comeback. Guard Abby Lewellen knocked down a trey to give Multnomah a 48-46 lead.
This is where Garcia decided to take over offensively for the Wolves. Following the Lewellen make, Garcia followed up with a three pointer. She would knock down three more treys, eventually tying the game at 58 on a shot from long range. The Wolves defense came up huge, forcing a shot clock violation on Multnomah's final offensive possession, leading to overtime.
MU built up a five point lead with around two minutes remaining in the extra session, until Garcia came down and hit another three, her fifth of the night.
However, Multnomah was able to maintain a lead by sinking a couple of free throws. The Wolves were given one last opportunity, down by three on a sideline out of bounds play, to make something happen. They did not get a shot off.
Garcia's shooting and passing performance, gained the admiration of the crowd as she finished the game with 24 points, including 5-11 on three point attempts. She added five rebounds, six assists, and six steals.
Afterwards, Garcia said "I tried shooting the ball early, but it wasn't working, so I started passing and trying to get my teammates the ball where they score best."
Wolves Head Coach, Marnie Johnson said "She's definitely one of our leaders. Her shot wasn't falling in the first half, but she found a different way to lead, and contribute."
Walla Walla will look to take the next game back from Multnomah on Friday, February 13, when the teams meet again in Portland.
On the outlook for the rest of the season, Johnson said, "Four games left, we are just thinking about finishing strong, and trying to get a win."
Garcia added "We are all just trying to keep the fire. We are going to come back strong."
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