Bellevue College women’s basketball staved off a late comeback from host Olympic, winning 73-71. After storming out to a 21-12 first quarter lead then building up a commanding 41-28 halftime lead, the ‘dogs had to come up big late in the game with clutch free throw shooting as the Rangers rallied back with 43 second half points.
In the opening quarter, the ‘dogs went on a 10-0 run in the final three minutes which as capped off by a Lily Auelua three pointer at the buzzer. Auelua drained another bomb in the second quarter to keep Bellevue’s lead comfortable at 38-25 with 1:46 remaining.
In the third quarter, Olympic made a late charge scoring back to back layups in the final 30 seconds to pull within six, 51-45, setting up the fourth quarter dramatic finish.
Alexis Marcussen made two free throws with 3:44 remaining in the game to keep BC up 67-59. The cushion was quickly evaporated as Olympic went on a 5-0 run to pull within three at 67-64 with two minutes remaining. Aysha Peter came through in the clutch as well at the free throw line after being fouled with 1:33 remaining, making both ends to keep the lead at five. Olympic would pull within one at 71-70 on a layup by Macayla Stark with 27 seconds remaining. With the final possession of the ball, BC’s Leeschelle Sohappy was sent to the free throw line in a must foul situation for the Rangers. Sohappy came through as well at the line, sinking both to put Bellevue up 73-70. Stark would give Olympic one last chance but the three point attempt was off mark giving Bellevue the big win on the road.
Shannel Kovalsky had 15 points on seven for eight shooting with eight rebounds while Sohappy added 14 and a team high five assists. The Bulldogs are 7-3 in their last ten games and are one game back of first place in the North Region at 4-1. They host first place Skagit Valley at 4 P.M. this Sat. Jan. 24.
Last Updated January 22, 2026
