SEATTLE, Wash. (Oct. 29) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team fell in an exhibition to No. 15 University of Washington, 66-97. 
 
"Definitely a tale of two halves.  Despite the score I was encouraged by how we came out after halftime and won the third quarter," CWU Head Coach Jeff Harada said.  "Obviously there were some jitters to start the game, but I thought we executed pretty well and got the shots we wanted."
 
The Wildcats offense got off to a slow start, scoring just 18 points in the first two quarters, but found stride in the third.  Central outscored the Huskies 28-26 in the third.  The Wildcats had six different players find the score sheet in the third.
 
 Kortney Grattic drained a pair of three's, and added a pair of free throws, for eight points.  Rachel Lorentson hit an early lay up, then knocked down a trey later for five.  Jamsin Edwards picked up five of her 20 points in the third, while Taylor Baird notched six points, and Sarach McGee and Sadie Mensing added two each.
 
"We were a little more poised in the second half and the shots started to fall," Harada added.  "I though we played some pretty solid defense.  They are an elite offensive team and they hit tough shots with us in their face."
 
Nearly a third of the Huskies' offense was funneled through Kelsey Plum.  The senior guard recorded 33 points, but was held to a 2-for-11 mark from beyond the three-point line.
 
"Plum was incredible and is just as good as advertised," Harada noted.  "But I thought Jasmin competed and was just as good tonight."
 
Edwards led the Wildcats with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.  She finished 3-for-6 from beyond the arc and 9-for-10 at the charity stripe.  She recorded three steals defensively.
 
"I liked our energy on the offensive glass and we got some extra possessions because of that," Harada said of his team's effort rebounding.
 
The Wildcats recorded 18 offensive rebounds, while holding the Huskies to just 10.  They nearly outrebounded UW, but the Huskies edged out Central 44-40.
 
"Overall it was a great experience for us to play this game in front of a lot of our fans and I'm proud of our effort," Harada finished.
 
Baird finished with 13 points and four rebounds.  Grattic notched 11 points and seven rebounds.  The Wildcats finished 21-for-23 at the free throw line.
 
The Wildcats open the regular season against Pacific Lutheran University Friday (Nov. 4) in Nicholson Pavilion.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.