LEWISTON, Idaho – The Lewis-Clark State College women’s basketball team picked up its first Frontier Conference win with a 69-60 victory over the University of Montana Western at the Activity Center on Saturday night.  

The Warriors shot 48.9 percent from the field, their second highest clip this season, and saw four players score in double-digits.

“We did enough to win, and that’s what is important right now,” said LCSC head coach Brian Orr.

The victory snaps the Warriors’ five-game losing streak and gives them their first home win of the season.  

Lewis-Clark State seemed to bring an extra dose of energy and enthusiasm to the arena on Saturday and the results were evident on both ends of the floor.  

The Warriors forced Western into 18 turnovers, which led to a 26-17 advantage in points scored off of turnovers, and also hustled their way to a 30-28 edge in rebounds.

“Our girls have really worked hard on the defensive end,” Orr said. “I thought overall we carried out our plan pretty well.”

LCSC established a 10-point lead midway through the first half, but Western responded with a few steals and fast break points to cut the deficit to 30-29 at the half. In the second half, the Warriors used a 54.5 percent shooting mark to push to a game-high lead of 15.

Tanis Fuller collected her fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Annie Kane and Brittaney Niebergall both went 2-for-4 from the outside and finished with 18 and 15 points, respectively. Ornela Bacchini was the fourth Warrior to score in double-digits as she had 10.

Lewis-Clark State had 17 assists, its second highest total this year.

Montana Western was led by Sammi Bignell who went 9-for-10 from the field, 2-for-2 from the outside, and 4-for-4 at the foul line. The junior forward, who leads the conference in scoring with over 16 points per game, finished with 24 points and nine rebounds. Alecia Wilson added 12 points and six boards.

The win lifts LCSC to 1-3 in league play and 4-14 overall, while Western slips to 0-3 and 8-9.

“Basketball is about confidence, and when you’re losing it’s just hard,” said Orr. “I think this is a huge win for us.”

The Warriors will look to take their confidence with them on the road next week when they head to Billings, Mont., to face Rocky Mountain College.