ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Oct. 31) -  The Central Washington women's basketball team defeated Northwest University in an exhibition by a score of 97-51.
 
Mandy Steward led the Wildcats in points with 15, while Sadie Mensing was named the Red Lion Player of the Game.  Mensing finished with 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals.  She also shot 60 percent from the field.
 
"I'm really happy with our girls' effort tonight on both sides of the ball," CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said.  "We may not have been perfect tonight, but it's a great starting point for this group.
 
The Wildcats' offense came out firing on all cylinders, staking out a 33-15 advantage after the first quarter.  The Eagles battled back in the second quarter, squeaking out an 18-17 advantage to cut the deficit to 50-33.
 
Central shot 55.9 percent in the first half, including making nine threes.  The Wildcats outrebounded Northwest 17-10, including pulling in six offensive rebounds and holding the Eagles to zero.
 
The Wildcats ramped up their offense again in third quarter. They outscored the Eagles 28-5 in the third stanza.  Central also outscored Northwest in the fourth quarter, 19-13.
 
Central again finished with a shooting percentage above 50, converting a clip of 52.8 percent in the second half.  The Wildcats' defense held Northwest to a field goal percentage of 25.9 in the second half.
 
The Wildcats finished with a field goal percentage of 54.3, 47 rebounds, 29 assists, five blocks, and 14 steals.  Alexis Pana and McKenzie Day each recorded two steals.  Kaelie Flores, Taylor Baird, and Jasmin Edwards each finished in double digit points.  Edwards led the Wildcats with seven assists, while Beverly Verduin recorded six.
 
The next contest for Central Washington is also an exhibition.  The Wildcats travel to Seattle University on Saturday (Nov. 4) for a 4 p.m. tip-off.