PASCO, WA — The Lower Columbia Red Devils women's basketball team is advancing to the NWAC Championships Final Four after capturing back-to-back victories in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds.

The Red Devils put together two complete performances at Columbia Basin College, advancing through the bracket to set up a semifinal clash with the Clackamas Cougars. That Final Four matchup is scheduled for Friday, March 13 at 5:00 pm at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington.

Sweet Sixteen: Lower Columbia Outpaces Chemeketa

The weekend began on March 6 with a Sweet Sixteen matchup against Chemeketa. The Red Devils established control early and maintained their momentum to secure a 70-54 win. Lower Columbia outscored Chemeketa in each of the first three quarters, building a comfortable 52-34 advantage heading into the final frame.

Shailoh Li'ili'i paced the Red Devils' offense with an efficient performance, scoring a team-high 20 points while pulling down seven rebounds and blocking three shots.

Adrian Wright provided a strong all-around effort, tallying 10 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Angelica Askey contributed nine points and grabbed three steals.

As a team, Lower Columbia shot 43.5 percent from the field and converted 11 of their 14 free-throw attempts. Chemeketa's effort was led by Patricia Mike, who scored 17 points, and Ella Holwege, who added 16 points.

Elite Eight: Fourth Quarter Surge Bests Columbia Basin

The following afternoon on March 7, Lower Columbia faced off against Columbia Basin with a trip to the Final Four on the line. The Red Devils used a massive final period to pull away for a 65-50 victory.

The game was a tightly contested battle through the first three quarters. Lower Columbia held a narrow 15-14 lead after the first quarter, but the teams found themselves in a 40-40 deadlock going into the fourth quarter. In the final ten minutes, the Red Devils' offense erupted, outscoring Columbia Basin 25-10 to put the game out of reach and secure the win.

Angelica Askey was exceptional on both ends of the floor, leading the team with 17 points and recording an impressive seven steals.

Adrian Wright and Shailoh Li'ili'i were forces inside, each contributing 16 points to the winning effort. Li'ili'i also secured 10 rebounds to complete a double-double, while Wright pulled down nine boards of her own.

The Red Devils shot 44.4 percent from the floor in the win. Columbia Basin was led by Hailey Jamison, who scored 16 points, while Ezrah Ray controlled the glass with a game-high 16 rebounds.


For more tournament information go to nwacsports.com