(Longview, WA) – NWAC Women's Basketball was center stage in Longview between Christmas and New Year's. In an event that featured five top-10 teams and three coaching legends, the Lower Columbia Holiday Classic was very memorable.
The Lane Titans of Eugene won the tournament by downing Lower Columbia 71-32 in the championship game on Friday December 30
th. Earlier, in a matchup of coaches with over 1,400 combined career wins, Dave Stricklin's Umpqua team defeated Bobbi Hazeltine's Walla Walla squad 69-62. North Idaho won the other Friday game with a 67-62 victory over Shoreline.
The Red Devils opened the tournament with an easy 89-33 victory over their Alumni and Friends team known as the Delena Dragons.
Paige Mace had 17 points and four assists to lead the way.
Kyla McCallum added 12 points off the bench as every Red Devil played at least 12 minutes in the game.
On Thursday, the Devils took control with a big third quarter in a 65-55 victory over North Idaho. Down one at halftime, LCC outscored the Cardinals 18-5 in that fateful third period. Mace again was the top scorer with 18 points.
Aivine Soakai had 14 points and eight rebounds.
Katelynn Forner had 12 points.
In the championship game, Lane took off from the outset in handing the Devils their worst loss of the season. Tournament MVP Bella Hamel led the Titans with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
The Devils shot just 24 percent from the floor and committed 23 turnovers. Mace led the way with eight points.
Courtney Swan added seven.
Mace was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Devils start the new year with a road game at Bellevue on Saturday January 7
th. Tip off is at 3 pm.
