Raiders Drop Hard-Fought Contest at Lower Columbia, 64-59

The Pierce Raiders women’s basketball team battled for four quarters Wednesday night but came up just short in a 64-59 loss to Lower Columbia on the road.

Pierce opened the game with strong energy, edging the Red Devils 17-15 in the first quarter. Both teams matched each other in the second, scoring 18 points apiece to send Pierce into halftime with a narrow 35-33 advantage.

Lower Columbia responded in the third quarter, outscoring the Raiders 13-12 to even things up heading into the final period. The Red Devils used an 18-12 fourth quarter to secure the five-point victory.

Malea Berridge led Pierce offensively with 14 points and six rebounds. Jane Wanjiku added 12 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two assists, while Martha Jessop contributed 11 points and six boards in the effort.

Maesha Muaau provided a strong spark off the bench with seven rebounds and six points. Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai added eight points on an efficient 3-of-4 shooting from the field.

Pierce shot 37.7% (20-53) from the floor and 29.4% (5-17) from three-point range. The Raiders collected 39 total rebounds and dished out 14 assists but were hindered by 25 turnovers in the contest.

Up Next: The Raiders return home to host Green River on Saturday, February 14th at 3:00pm.