Bellevue Women Take Fifth at Bulldog Classic

Brenda Akoto had 17 points in the game vs. North Idaho. photo by Rich Dworkis
Brenda Akoto had 17 points in the game vs. North Idaho. photo by Rich Dworkis

After a convincing win, then heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals, the Bellevue College women’s basketball team wound up taking fifth place out of eight teams in their own Bulldog Classic, held Friday December 2-Sunday December 4.

On Friday, the Bulldogs opened up with a 62-52 win over Pierce College. Returning sophomore Erin Hamilton continued her steady ways from her freshman year leading Bellevue with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Six of those were on the offensive end. Brenda Akoto was just as efficient with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Freshman Molly Dixon had 13 points and 7 assists. Bellevue had a comfortable lead in what appeared to be a blowout before Pierce rallied late, scoring 23 points in the fourth quarter to bring the score back to within close range.

Bellevue then faced perennial NWAC power and defending NWAC champion, Lane (OR), bowing 67-65 in heartbreaking fashion that would ultimately deflate Bellevue for the rest of the tourney. After falling behind deep for nearly the entire game, Bellevue rallied by outscoring Lane 20-9 in the final quarter and took the lead. In the final minute, the game was within three points to either side. Bellevue had multiple opportunities in the closing seconds but could not close it out with a win. Lane would eventually go on to win the tourney.

On Sunday in the consolation game, the Bulldogs fell 63-53 to North Idaho College, a former national junior college power. Down by only 8 at halftime, the shortfall grew to 15 by the end of the third quarter. Bellevue could never get within reach as the ‘dogs shot only 30% from the field. Brenda Akoto led BC with 17 points. She was the lone Bulldog who had the hot shooting tough all game as she sank 6 of 8 from the field and 5 of 6 from the free throw line before fouling out. Hamilton had 12 points, 5 blocked shots, and 3 steals.

Bellevue is now 2-2 on the year and will take a break away from competition for academic finals this week. The ‘dogs will take to the floor this weekend in the Pierce Holiday Invitational, in what has become sort of a preview of the NWAC Championships, as several annual contenders such as Lane and Peninsula (the last two NWAC champions) are entered in the field. Bellevue opens up against Wenatchee Valley on Friday December 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Last Updated December 5, 2016