By: Iain Dexter - NWAC

PASCO, Wash. – The North Idaho Cardinals defeated the South Puget Sound Clippers 67-55 in the Sweet 16 of the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, Thursday night at Columbia Basin College.

The #3-seed Cardinals (19-7, 10-2 East) found themselves in a hole early in the game, trailing 17-6 after the first quarter. Narrowing the deficit in the second, NIC exploded for 27 points in the third quarter to take a 49-40 lead through 30 minutes.

A big difference in the second half was the Cardinals ability to draw contact and get to the free-throw line. After taking just four free throws in the first half, the Cardinals got to the charity stripe 22 times in the second half, knocking down 18 of their attempts.

The Cardinals were led offensively by Solei Elletson who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. She shot 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Addie Kiefer had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while Meghan Calley added 11 points.

The #2-seed Clippers (19-7, 10-2 West) were led by West Region MVP Sharay Trotter. The sophomore was all over the stat sheet with 19 points, 10 rebounds, six steals and five assists. Payten Foster added 10 points.