Bellevue College women’s basketball continued their winning streak over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. On Saturday, Jan. 15, the team traveled to Bremerton to face North Division foe Olympic College. Bellevue brought a 2-0 league record into the game and was well prepared to come out with another road victory. The teams traded baskets for most of the first half, but Bellevue was able to take a lead into the locker room at half time 31-23.
In the second half it was all Bellevue, led by four players in double figures, A.C. DenHartog (19), Sanda Milovic (15), Kelsey Sparks (14), and Kelly Sutherland (10). “The ability to go on the road and get quality wins in the division is critical for our tournament hopes this season,” said head coach Brent Hermanson. “Our defense is still improving, but anytime you hold a team in their own gym to 22% shooting, you really need to be happy with your team’s play.” Bellevue headed home with a 76-55 victory over Olympic.
North Division league play continued on Monday, Jan. 17, as Bellevue hosted perennial rival Skagit Valley. Both teams came into the game undefeated in league, both ranked in the top eight in the NWAACC Coaches Poll (BC at 8th; Skagit, 5th), and both looking to continue their great play. Bellevue had bested Skagit earlier at home in the championship game of the Crossover Tournament hosted by BC, and the teams were excited to play each other. “We look forward to playing Skagit every year because we know they will play hard and it will be a great test for our team,” said coach Hermanson. “Coach (Steve) Epperson does a great job recruiting, preparing his teams, and runs a terrific program that has been consistently amongst the NWAACC elite for years.”
Bellevue jumped out early on Skagit, and the teams battled throughout the first half, but spurred by a 9-0 run at the end of the first half, Skagit was able to trim Bellevue’s lead to just five points. The Bulldogs responded in the second half shooting 70.8% from the field and holding Skagit’s best player scoreless in the second half. Led by balanced scoring again, Bellevue’s Sutherland knocked in 18 points backed with 8 rebounds, while DenHartog contributed 16 points, and Milovic 14 points with 8 rebounds. The Bulldogs widened their lead and wrapped it up with a final score of 80-63.
Bellevue currently stands at 4-0 in league and 11-3 overall, tied atop the North Division with Whatcom. Next up, the Bulldogs host North Seattle (2-3, 3-10) on Wednesday, Jan. 19, with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off. Then, the Bulldogs travel to Bellingham to battle Whatcom (4-0,8-6 overall) Saturday, Jan. 22, game time 5:00 p.m.
Last Updated November 1, 2013
