Centralia College women’s basketball saw its run finally come to a close in an 86-75 loss to Portland in the Northwest Athletic Conference tournament Saturday at Everett Community College.
The Blazers fell behind early but stayed within striking distance in the first half, trailing 23-19 at the end of one quarter and 39-32 at the half.
“Both teams couldn’t miss from 3 in the first quarter,” Centralia College coach Caleb Sells said. “Everyone in the stands and even the refs were making comments in disbelief.
Portland came out of the locker room on fire, reeling off a 13-2 run to start the third quarter and building a 67-47 lead entering the fourth.
“Went down from seven to 20 real quick,” Sells said.
The Trailblazers roared back to life, outscoring Portland 28-19 in the final frame and cutting the deficit to six at one point but were unable to complete the comeback.
Mallory Williams led the Blazers with 17 points and five boards, which included 4 for 4 from long range. Rochester alums Paige Winter and Lexie Sederberg-Jones finished with 15 points and 16 points, respectively. Sederberg-Jones added 12 boards and Winter hauled in six.
“Amazing group of girls,” Sells said of his team. “Made coming to practice every day a lot of fun. “Zero drama and they all genuinely enjoyed being around each other. Gonna miss them all next year.”
