Erika Locker scored 17 points but it wasn't enough to lift the Whatcom Community College women's basketball team past Umpqua in the Clark Crossover Tournament on Friday, Dec. 16.
The Orcas held a 32-29 lead at halftime, but surrendered nine straight points without a score to start the second half.
"We came out and had a solid first half," Whatcom coach Sara Bergner said in a phone interview. "The biggest thing was they came out and scored nine points in a row. It changed all the momentum toward their side. It was hard for us to respond to that."
Whatcom had a difficult time battling in the paint with Umpqua's four towers. It has four players at least 6-foot-1 and outrebounded Whatcom 44-30.
Kellie Fluit had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Orcas and Allie Holterman added 12 points.
UMPQUA 69, WHATCOM 55
Umpqua: Taylor Mills 0, Shannon Jackson 4, Samantha Thornton 6, Brooklyn Norman 5, Courtney Smith 16, Hayley Reynolds 4, Pua Kailiawa 11, Carley Wilhelmi 0, Baylie Smith 7, Deanna Tupai 11, Kristin Swim 5. Totals 30-52 5-14 69.
WCC: Allie Holterman 12, Alexis Wolf 0, Kariah Kussman 6, Alisha Friberg 2, Erika Locker 17, Cambie Edwards 3, Margaret Redelinghuis 1, Kellie Fluit 14. Totals 23-70 6-15 55.
Half: WCC 32-29
3-ptg: Umpqua 4-9; WCC 3-13 (Erika Locker 3). Rebounds: Umpqua 44 (Pua Kailiawa 14); WCC 30 (Kellie Fluit 7). Assists: Umpqua 16 (Courtney Smith 4); WCC 17 (Alisha Friberg 6). Fouls: Umpqua 15, WCC 12. Turnovers: Umpqua 15, WCC 5.
