Bellevue College women’s basketball suffered their first loss in league play on the road. On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the Bulldogs traveled to Everett to face the Trojans in their new facility. “We knew it would be a tough test, Everett is always a quality opponent,” said BC women’s head coach Brent Hermanson. In the first half, the Bulldogs trailed the Trojans most of the way, but were able to close within three at half time 29-26. Hermanson commented, “We really didn’t have our best stuff that day, and we felt fortunate to be within three at the half.”
In the second half the Bulldogs were never really able to get going, and though Bellevue kept it close, Everett finally pulled away for a 72-56 victory, handing the Bulldogs their first North Division league loss. “We just weren’t ready to play and match the intensity of Everett, they executed their game plan, and we weren’t able to overcome the deficit,” said Hermanson. Only two Bulldogs were able to score in double digits: Kelly Sutherland was good for 16 points and six rebounds, while Kelsey Sparks contributed 10 points, pulling down nine rebounds.
On Saturday, Jan. 29, Bellevue hosted the Tritons of Edmonds. As both teams entered the gym for pregame introductions, the coaching staff from each school were wearing pink shirts in support of the Coaches vs. Cancer program designed to raise funds and awareness in the battle against cancer. Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to support the ACS’s lifesaving mission. All proceeds from Saturday’s games will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Bellevue women were home for the last game of the first half of league play, and Edmonds would face a Bulldogs team that was ready to get back in the win column after suffering their loss on Wednesday. Bellevue jumped out early and kept the heat on Edmonds throughout the first half. At half time the Bulldogs had a commanding lead 44-25, shooting nearly 60% from the field.
Coming out of the locker room after intermission, the Bulldogs maintained their advantage, pushing the ball up the court for early opportunities. “I was really happy with our effort at both ends of the floor,” said Hermanson. “There are some defensive fundamentals we need to continue to work on, but the team is continuing to improve with each game.” Bellevue wrapped the game up with an 84-59 win. Sutherland again led scoring for BC with 15 points, while five other Bulldogs also shot well including sophomore Olivia Lewis who hammered in all four of her 3-point attempts. A. C. DenHartog ended the night with 13 points, nine rebounds; Sparks and Briana Shannon were good for 12 points each; Sanda Milovic knocked in 10.
The Bulldogs finish the first half of league play with a 7-1 record 14-4 overall, tied with Skagit for the top spot. The Bulldogs face Shoreline (1-7; 5-11) on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Shoreline game time 5:30 p.m., then return home to host the Pirates of Peninsula (2-6; 5-12) on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. Saturday’s game is also broadcast on Bellevue College TV.
Last Updated November 1, 2013
