Box Score WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Whitworth University women's basketball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in a 77-48 win over Corban University at Kim Evanger Raney Classic at the Sherwood Center on Saturday afternoon. Whitworth improves to 4-3 on the season, while Corban falls to 5-7.
Sophomore KC McConnell opened the game with a layup in the opening seconds to get the Pirates on the scoreboard first. Whitworth continued to roll, extending its lead to 18-0 after a three-pointer from McConnell. Senior Jamie Lyons drained a three and sophomore Lexie Zappone sank a free throw give Whitworth a 25 point lead, 32-7, but Corban went on a 6-0 run to pull within 19, 32-13, with 1:23 left in the half. Senior Kayla Johnson, McConnell and sophomore Faith Emerson responded with a 7-2 run to put the Pirates in front 39-18 at halftime.
Corban opened the second half with a 5-0 run to cut into Whitworth's lead, forcing a Pirate timeout. Out of the huddle, Zappone hit a three to spark an 8-0 Pirate run. Whitworth continued to extend its lead, going ahead by as many as 30 points on a Zappone layup with 1:46 left in the game.
The Pirates were relentless on the defensive end, holding the Warriors to a 16.1 field goal percentage and forcing 19 turnovers in the game. In a balanced offensive effort, 11 of the 12 players who saw action tonight scored for the Pirates and Whitworth shot 42.4 percent from the floor.
Lexie Zappone led the Pirates with a career-high 21 points, nine rebounds and four steals. KC McConnell added 15 points, while Kayla Johnson scored 12 points for Whitworth. Junior Katara Belton-Sharp joined Zappone as the leading rebounder, with three of her nine rebounds coming on the offensive end. Junior Kendra Knutsen dished out four of Whitworth's 13 assists.
Tara Vanweerdhuizen led the Warriors with 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Jade Lowery dished out three assists and had seven rebounds for Corban.
Next up, Whitworth will travel to Portland to take on Warner Pacific at 7:00 p.m. on December 17th.
