MONMOUTH, Ore. (Feb. 18) – The Central Washington University picked up its fourth victory in five games with a 66-55 victory over Western Oregon University.
 
The Wildcats are now 12-14 overall and 7-11 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.  The Wolves fall to 7-18 and 3-15 in GNAC competition.
 
"Another great team effort tonight in so many different ways, it was fun to watch everyone go into the game and contribute in some way," CWU Head Coach Jeff Harada said.  "We talked about that before the game and I was thrilled how we responded." 
 
Taylor Baird led the Wildcats with 12 points in the first half, including nine in the first five minutes of play.  Baird shot 5-for-7 in the first 20 minutes.  She also recorded a team high six rebounds in the first half.
 
"Taylor was a force in the paint and I was really happy with her rebounding," Harada noted.  
 
Western Oregon mounted a small comeback late in the first half, cutting the Wildcats' lead down to 30-27, as part of an eight-point run.
 
At the break, the Wildcats led 34-27, shooting 43.3 percent in the opening 20 minutes of play.  The Wildcats recorded eight blocks and four steals in the opening half.  They also recorded eight assists.  Central forced six turnovers and compiled eight points off of turnovers.
 
Baird finished the contest with yet another double-double, netting 14 points and 15 rebounds. Six of her rebounds were offensive.
 
The Wildcats held Western Oregon to just 28 points in the third quarter, while they scored 32.  Central finished with 16 points off of turnovers, 11 second chance points, 16 bench points, and 36 points in the paint.  The Wildcats shot 41.3 percent from the field.
 
"We took care of the ball well with just eight turnovers and our 10 blocks showed how aggressive we were on defense," Harada noted.  "Just really balanced scoring tonight and we stuck together when they made a couple of runs getting stops when we needed them. Every win is a big win at this point and getting our first road sweep of the year made it extra special." 
 
Sadie Mensing and Jasmin Edwards both recorded double-digit scoring efforts.  Mensing finished with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block.  Edwards notched 10 points, four assists, and two steals.
 
Alexis Pana recorded three rebounds, three points, and three blocks.  Sarah McGee picked up eight points, four boards, two assists, and one steal.
 
The Wildcats are back in action on Tuesday (Feb. 21) as they host Northwest Nazarene.  Central then travels to Montana State Billings on Thursday, where they take on the Yellowjackets.