Bellevue College women’s basketball got North Region league play open in exciting fashion with a 68-65 win over Peninsula at Courter Family Athletic Pavilion. In a game that saw several lead changes in a close battle from the opening tip-off, the Bulldogs got two clutch free throws from Bri Byrnes to seal the win.
The free throws were symbolic of Bellevue’s edge in the game that was statistically even for the most part between the two region rivals as BC made 17-of-23 from the line while Peninsula cashed in on only 11. Byrnes not only came up big at the end but was eight-for-nine on the night from the line. Sav Huerta had 24 points while Gwen Aasland continues to improve each week and has become a major force for the ‘dogs with another solid 18 point and 15 rebound outing.
Bellevue had premature visions of a win in regulation after Aasland’s layup put BC up 54-51 with only 47 seconds remaining but was answered back by a three pointer by Peninsula’s Jenilee Donovan on the next possession.
In overtime Aasland did it again putting Bellevue up late with 45 seconds remaining on a bucket but this time the defense came through as Peninsula had three tries on two big offensive putbacks but could not convert. After being intentionally fouled, Byrnes sealed it with the two big free throws.
Bellevue is 1-0 in league and 9-4 overall. They travel to Edmonds this Saturday January 14 for a 2:00 start.
Last Updated January 11, 2023
