Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West women's basketball (6-2, 0-0 OEC) bested the Palo Verde Pirates (2-7, 0-0 IEAC) on Friday night, 93-62.
The match was competitive from the start as each side went score for score. Movement within the paint and clean passes dictated who remained on top. A three point shot from the corner, made by Makayla Heffernan shifted the momentum to the home team's side. The Rustlers took charge for the rest of the first quarter and ended the first ten minutes up eight, 22-14.
Princess McCauley opened up the second frame with a three point shot to build the lead to double digits. She would repeat two minutes later to give Golden West 30 points on the scoreboard and force Palo Verde to call a timeout to slow the pace of play. The Rustlers continued to score from deep as yet another Heffernan three put Golden West on top by 22 points. The home team finished the first half strong as they led at the break, 50-27.
In the third, Golden West held a consistent and comfortable 15 point advantage. Fouls and ball control were the only obstacles for the Rustlers throughout the game. The Pirates put up a fight in the third quarter which held the Rustlers to 16 points as Palo Verde matched the third frame with 16 points of their own, 66-43. For the final frame, Golden West worked to separate themselves further and close out the victory. The Rustlers would outscore the Pirates in the fourth quarter by eight points and end the night with the win, 93-62.
McCauley led the night in scoring with 36 points and also collected five rebounds with five assists. Kayla Terry had an impressive night as she earned a double-double with 26 points and 26 rebounds. Heffernan was 4-17 from the three point line as she scored 12 points and four assists. With the victory, Golden West remains undefeated at home with a 5-0 record and improves to an overall 6-2 record. The Rustlers will begin a six game road trip and start Orange Empire Conference competition against Saddleback on January 10th.
NEXT UP: Golden West will visit Victor Valley on Wednesday, December 6th. Tip off will be at 5pm.
