(Longview, WA) The Lower Columbia Red Devils secured a crucial 67-57 home victory over the South Puget Sound Clippers on February 15, 2025, in Longview. The Red Devils improved to 15-9 overall and 9-1 in conference play, using a balanced offensive attack and tough defense to hold off a late Clippers rally.
Lower Columbia was led by Lauren Katyryniuk, who scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including four three-pointers, while adding six rebounds and two steals.
Reigha Niemeyer was a key playmaker, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Morgan Hamilton added 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while also hitting 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
The Red Devils also got contributions from Karlee VonMoos, who scored eight points with six rebounds and four steals before fouling out.
Lisa Lorenz Conrotto chipped in five points and three assists, while Michaela Medico added two points, six rebounds, and a block off the bench.
Lower Columbia shot 37.3% from the field and made 7-of-23 from beyond the arc, while converting 16-of-26 free throws. They forced 24 South Puget Sound turnovers and recorded 12 steals as part of their defensive effort.
South Puget Sound, which fell to 18-7 overall and 7-2 in conference play, was led by Monroe Mastro, who scored a game-high 20 points. She made 6-of-18 shots, including two three-pointers, and added six free throws. Jaynee Tanner contributed a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds, along with five steals. Despite their individual performances, the Clippers struggled offensively, shooting just 26.7% from the field and 19% from three-point range.
Lower Columbia led 32-25 at halftime and extended the advantage to 49-34 after three quarters. Although the Clippers outscored the Red Devils 23-18 in the fourth, Lower Columbia's defensive pressure and clutch free-throw shooting sealed the win.
Devils will finish off the regular season on the road as they face the Tacoma Titans on Wednesday, Feb. 19 with a 5:30 pm tip at Tacoma Community College. The final game for the ladies is on Saturday, Feb. 22 with a 12:00 pm game at Highline College.
Before the game got underway we took some time to honor our 8 standout sophomores: Maris Baklund, Dylan Mann, Lisa Lorenz Conrotto, Lauren Katyryniuk, Karlee VonMoos, Michaela Medico, Morgan Hamilton, and Reigha Niemeyer. The pre-game ceremony can be watch on Devilvision at nwacsportsnetwork.com
The Northwest Athletic Conference championships tournament gets under way with the Sweet 16 round March 5 - 7 in Pasco, WA at Columbia Basin College.
As of now the Devils are in first place in the west region.
