Athletic Weekend Recap
Central Washington University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams played a pair of doubleheaders this past weekend as the some of the GNAC’s best teams traveled to Ellensburg. Both the men’s and women’s programs took care of business against Seattle Pacific University on Thursday but dropped their matchups to Montana State University – Billings on Saturday.
Against the SPU Falcons on Thursday, the Wildcats got revenge from a loss earlier in the season as they won 81-72. The Wildcats shot 49.1% from the floor, 50% from three-point attempts and 83.3% from the free-throw line. The star of the show was Asher Cai, who’s 24-point performance led the ‘Cats to victory. Valerie Huerta added 23 points.
Despite a 30-point night from Samantha Bowman, the Wildcats were unable to overcome the MSUB Yellowjackets on Saturday, falling 66-75. Entering halftime, CWU held a strong nine-point lead. In the second half, the Yellowjackets nailed some shots while the ‘Cats were unable to execute. Cai and Huerta finished in double-figures with 15 and 10, respectively. After the weekend’s results, the Wildcats are 15-5 (7-4 GNAC) and are third in the GNAC standings.
A strong defensive effort from the men’s team got them a 69-62 win over SPU, one of the best offensive teams in the nation. The Wildcats held the Falcons to 41% from the floor and 19% from the three-point line. Samaad Hector finished the game with a double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds). Isaiah Banks (16), Matt Poquette (13) and Camron McNeil (12) rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Wildcats.
Men’s basketball’s five-game win streak ended against the GNAC-leading Yellowjackets on Saturday as the Wildcats fell 69-70. At halftime, the Crimson and Black led 39-32, but MSUB battled back in the second half as both teams went toe-to-toe until the final shot. With two seconds left, the Wildcats inbounded the ball to Poquette who found himself open but was unable to land the shot. McNeil led the team with 21 points. Hector (16), Brock Gilbert (14) and Poquette (11) rounded out the double-digit scorers. After the weekend’s results, the Wildcats are 9-11 (5-6 GNAC) and are tied for fifth in the GNAC.
In a unique scheduling challenge, the Central Washington University men’s rugby team faced two opponents on Saturday, coming out on top against Western Washington and Trinity Western on the road as the entire team saw playing time.
Against WWU, the Wildcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead before the 25th minute. At the break, the Wildcats led 21-10. Despite some fight from the Vikings, CWU was able to extend their lead in the second half, closing out WWU with a final score of 38-15.
After their first win, the team traveled north of the boarder to face the Trinity Western Spartans. In a dominant performance, the Wildcats won 61-0. Between both matchups, 11 different Wildcats scored tries: Conner Grande, Tiai Vavao, Oscar Treacy, Albert O’Shannessey, Campbell Robb, Calvin Liulamaga, Liam Holland, Drew Farrington, Kye Jones, Arona Tauiliili, Clint Lyman and Noah Wright. Taine Jones made six conversion attempts. Oliver Cline hit two conversion attempts and added a penalty kick.
The Central Washington University indoor track & field team took a smaller group to the UW Invitational this weekend. A season’s best from Braydon Maier and an improvement from E’lexis Hollis by breaking her own school record highlight the performances for the Wildcats.
In the women’s 60-meter dash, Hollis ran a time of 7.57 seconds, breaking her previous school record by 0.01 seconds. Maier finished third in the men’s pole vault with a score of 4.63 meters. He’s first in the GNAC in pole vault this season.
It’s officially game week for Central Washington University’s baseball and softball team. Both teams will be in California for their opening matchups starting on Friday, Feb. 3.