Friday’s game between the Idaho women’s basketball team and Seattle U was a battle from the start. The Vandals came out on top with a 68-64 win to open nonconference play.
Throughout the game, the teams remained within mere points of each other, ending the half in a 34-34 tie.
Idaho head coach Jon Newlee said there is room for improvement going forward.
“I loved the way we stayed tough,” Newlee said in press release. “Things were not going our way. We were not shooting well tonight and I know we can do better. (Seattle U) just kept making shots. I thought we played like a championship team in those last five minutes.”
Sophomore guard Mikayla Ferenz led all scorers with 22 points.
Junior post Geraldine McCorkell made an impact with 14 points on the night.
In the last few minutes of the game, McCorkell closed the score gap and put Idaho behind by three points.
Ferenz led a 7-0 run for the Vandals with 1:56 on the clock.
Seattle U quickly took the lead back, 64-63. Two free throws from Ferenz gave Idaho the lead again with 27 seconds on the clock.
Ferenz’s free throws were followed by two from redshirt junior post Brooke Riley and one from senior point guard Karlee Wilson.
Wilson capped the scoring and gave Idaho the win.
Newlee said the team has a long way to go.
“Our team has been through a lot of close games,” Newlee said. “Karlee made some key free throws and Mikayla made some big shots. I am proud of the team for sticking to the game plan and not giving up.”
Idaho plays against California State-Fullerton 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in California.
Meredith Spelbring can be reached at [email protected]