OLYMPIA, Wash. - Wednesday night marked the latest installment in the battle between the Lower Columbia College Red Devils and the South Puget Sound Community College Clippers. Both teams are coming off of NWAC tournament appearances last season and have seen themselves ranked in the NWAC Coach's Poll multiple times this season. The Red Devils entered the game with a 12-5 record, including two west region victories without a defeat.

South Puget Sound started the game strong behind the play of Nikeshia King and Emma Cheetham, who both scored five points in the opening quarter. The Clippers were without starting center Emma Stadler, who has been sidelined with an injury to open regional play. Without Stadler in the middle, Payten Foster has seen her role adjusted from forward to center, and she exploded for 31 points against Green River in their last game. Two quick fouls limited Foster to only six first-half minutes, but the Clippers rallied to hold a one-point lead at the break. 

Freshman Kadance Blankers helped fill the scoring void left by Foster's limited minutes, knocking down three three-point field goals and securing four rebounds. In addition, Standout Sophomore Sharay Trotter's outstanding play has led opposing defenses to focus on her, thus limiting her scoring opportunities. Despite Foster's foul trouble and the Clipper's shooting woes, the Clippers still found themselves with a chance to tie the game with twenty-two seconds left, but a late turnover cost them the opportunity, and Lower Columbia would earn a five-point win. 

Up Next: 
The Clippers host the Highline College Thunderbirds (0-2,3-8) on Saturday, January 21st, inside the Health and Wellness Center on the campus of South Puget Sound Community College. A live stream of the game will be available on the NWAC Sports Network.