CENTRALIA, WA – The Lower Columbia College women's basketball team made an emphatic statement in their NWAC west division opener, utilizing a suffocating second-quarter defensive effort to run away with an 88-58 victory over rival Centralia College on Wednesday night.

In a game that marked the beginning of league play for both squads, the Red Devils (1-0 / 13-3) overcame a high-scoring first quarter to dominate the Trailblazers in the paint and on the defensive end.

The game began as a shootout, with Lower Columbia holding a narrow 26-24 lead after the first ten minutes. However, the game turned decisively in the second quarter. The Red Devils' defense clamped down, holding Centralia to just three points in the period on 0-of-14 shooting from the field. LCC outscored the Blazers 13-3 in the frame to take a 39-27 lead into halftime and never looked back, exploding for 27 points in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

Jaci Gonnie was electric for Lower Columbia, leading all scorers with 25 points. Gonnie was efficient from the floor, shooting 10-of-16, including a sizzling 5-of-9 from three-point range.

Angelica Askey was the iron woman for the Devils, playing all 40 minutes and dropping 20 points while pulling down seven rebounds.

While Gonnie and Askey handled the scoring load, Adrian Wright controlled the interior. Wright recorded a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Her presence on the offensive glass was a major factor, as she grabbed seven offensive boards, helping LCC out-rebound Centralia 51-39.

Regan Brewer served as the defensive catalyst and floor general. Brewer filled the stat sheet with a game-high seven steals and six assists to go along with four rebounds and four points. Her defensive pressure contributed significantly to Centralia's 23 turnovers, which the Red Devils converted into 22 points.

The Red Devils' depth was also on display, as the LCC bench outscored Centralia's reserves 29-17. Lillian Bickford provided a spark off the bench with nine points, four rebounds, and three blocked shots. Fernanda Loberto chipped in seven points, while Taylor Dagons added five.

Lower Columbia dominated the interior, racking up 42 points in the paint compared to Centralia's 18.

For Centralia (0-1), Keiryn Mann was the lone bright spot, recording a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

The Red Devils will look to build on this momentum as they continue their regular season campaign.

Key Stats:

• Jaci Gonnie: 25 PTS, 3 REB, 5-9 3PT

• Angelica Askey: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 1 STL

• Adrian Wright: 10 PTS, 10 REB (7 OFF), 2 STL

• Regan Brewer: 4 PTS, 6 AST, 7 STL

• Team: 42 Points in the Paint, 13 Steals, 20 Assists