OLYMPIA, WA – The Lower Columbia College women's basketball team suffered their first NWAC West Region loss of the season on Saturday, falling 57-51 to South Puget Sound in a defensive battle on Valentine's Day.

The loss drops the Red Devils to 21-4 overall and 9-1 in league play, snapping their perfect start to the conference schedule. South Puget Sound improved to 16-7 overall and 7-2 in the West.

Offensive Struggles

It was a tough afternoon offensively for Lower Columbia, as the team struggled to find a rhythm at the basket. The Red Devils shot just 23.7% (14-of-59) from the field and 20.0% (4-of-20) from three-point range.

Despite forcing 27 turnovers defensively, LCC could not fully capitalize on the extra possessions. The team also left points at the charity stripe, shooting 59.4% (19-of-32) on free throws in a game decided by just six points.

South Puget Sound controlled the glass, outrebounding Lower Columbia 55-39. The Clippers were led by Jaynee Tanner, who dominated inside with a game-high 17 rebounds and 12 points.

The Comeback Effort

After falling behind 19-12 in the first quarter, LCC struggled in the second period, managing just 10 points to go into halftime trailing 35-22.

However, the Red Devils refused to go away. LCC's defense clamped down in the third quarter, holding the Clippers to just 8 points. They continued to chip away in the fourth, outscoring SPSCC 16-14, but the shooting woes were ultimately too much to overcome.

Key Performers

• Angelica Askey led the Red Devils with 14 points, playing the full 40 minutes. She also added 3 steals.

• Shailoh Li'ili'i fought through a tough shooting night to record 11 points, 7 rebounds, and a team-high 3 blocks.

• Taylor Dagons provided a spark off the bench, matching Li'ili'i with 11 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. She earned many of her points at the line, going 9-of-15 on free throws.

• Adrian Wright contributed 5 rebounds and 4 points.

For the Clippers, Dakota Carson was the top scorer with 20 points, including five three-pointers.

Up Next

The Red Devils will look to bounce back and defend their spot atop the West Region standings when they return to Myklebust Gym. Lower Columbia hosts the Tacoma Titans on Wednesday, February 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM following the men's game.