Raider Women drop two to open West Region play

Raider Women drop two to open West Region play

Hoping to turn the tide on a disappointing preseason, the Raider Women struggled in the opening week of West Region league play, dropping their home opener to crosstown rival Tacoma on Wednesday night, 63-43, and then losing big on the road at Lower Columbia on Saturday, 79-39. The start of the league season was delayed for 2 weeks by the NWAC, due to the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and new guidance form the CDC.

In Wednesday's loss to TCC, the Titans got off to a quick start, leading 22-10 at the end of the first period. The Raiders cut into Tacoma's lead a bit in the second quarter, but went into the locker room at halftime training 37-28. Pierce was outscored in the second half 26-15, scoring just 5 points in the 4th quarter. Eva Taylor led the way offensively for the Raiders, scoring 13 points and collecting 3 steals. Sierra Lee had a double-double on the night, dropping 12 points while grabbing 12 rebounds. Emma Stadlerpitched in for 8 points and 8 rebounds. As a team, the Raiders shot just 26% from the field, 19% from beyond the arc, and just 53% from othe line. The loss dropped the Raiders record to 0-1 in league play, and 1-12 overall.

Saturday's trip to Lower Columbia got off to an even worse start, as the Raiders scored 8 points in each of the first two quarters, against the #2 ranked Red Devils. Coming out of the locker room for the second half, trailing 51-16, Pierce focused on winning each possession. With LCC playing the full depth of their bench, the Raiders had a more respectable showing in the final 20 minutes (23-28), but eventually fell, 79-39. Eva Taylor once again led the way for Pierce with a game-high 19 points, including a perfect 4-4 from the charity stripe. Kianie Medeiros-Danceladded 8 points and 5 rebounds on the night. The loss dropped the Raiders record to 0-2, 1-14 overall.

Next week, the Raiders host Green River on Wednesday night, before the West Region bye weekend. Game time at 5:30 pm at the HEC.