LEWISTON, Idaho – A 42-27 rebounding advantage and 34-3 advantage in points at the foul line helped the Lewis-Clark State College women’s basketball team roar past Northwest Christian University 87-48 in its home opener on Monday night.
Nikki DePeel, the only senior on LCSC’s roster this season, led the charge with 22 points and her 11-for-12 performance from the free throw line helped the Warriors capitalize on the fouls of the Beacons. Northwest Christian finished with 28 personal fouls compared to LCSC’s 12.
The majority of the fouls were called as a result of the Beacons’ attempt to slow up the Warriors’ inside game. Led by the 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks of Alyssa Fierro, the Warriors outscored Northwest Christian 32-14 in the paint.
Kenna Reiter was the only other Warrior to reach double digits in scoring as she added 12 points to go with her six rebounds and two assists. Kirsi Voshell finished with eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks as LCSC had all 10 of its currently active players score three or more points.
The Warriors outshot the Beacons 48.1 percent (25-of-52) to 38.9 percent (21-of-54) from the field, and 73.9 percent (34-of-46) to 23.1 percent (3-of-13) from the foul line.
Lori Renner and Jacki Cunningham led the Beacons with nine points apiece.
LCSC, which went 23-8 last season en route its seventh appearance at the NAIA national championship in the last eight years, begins the season at 1-0, while the Beacons fall to 0-1.
The Warriors now embark on a three-game road trip during which they’ll travel to Azusa Pacific University, ranked No. 10 in the NAIA, on Thursday, Cal Baptist University on Friday, and then Boise State University for an exhibition game on Sunday.
