Ellensburg, Wash. (Nov. 16) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team (3-0) picked up a non-conference win over St. Cloud State University (1-1), 74-67.
 
The Wildcats came out hot and jumped to an early 10-4 lead with the help of nine points from Sadie Mensing in the first quarter. After going quiet from the field, the Wildcats allowed the Huskies to battle back. At the end of the first quarter, the Wildcats led 19-17. The Huskies picked up right where they left off and tied the game at 23-3 with six and a half minutes to play in the second quarter.  Central's offense got hot once more and, after a couple big shots from Mensing and Kaelie Flores, went into the half with the lead, 41-34.
 
"We struggled a bit defensively tonight with a few of their sets," CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said.  "The Huskies are a really well coached team and run their sets with pace.  I'm really proud of our kids for grinding out a win and figuring out a way to get it done.  Our offense held us in the game.  We shot 58 percent and picked up 20 assists on 25 field goals, we were able to find a rhythm and find ways to score.  We knew tonight we needed to defend them from the three and we held them to 23 percent, so we were able to accomplish that.  Really proud of our kids for grinding out the win."
 
Mensing led the offensive charge in the first half, going for 13 points and shooting a perfect six of six from the field. The team shot 64 percent and was 50 percent from behind the line.  The Wildcats grabbed 16 boards, led by Taylor Shaw who reeled in four. Alexis Pana was on the mark setting up her teammates, picking up five assists in the first half.
 
The second half started out with Central dominating both sides of the ball. They came out on a 10-4 run, increasing their lead to 11. With four minutes left in the third, the Wildcats led 50-41. Kassidy Malcolm led the way, scoring an early seven points in the third quarter.
 
After three quarters of play the Wildcats led the Huskies 59-50 thanks to 24 points in the paint and eight forced turnovers. Both Mensing and Malcolm had 15 points, followed by Flores who had 10 of her own. Central grabbed 20 rebounds through three quarters and had 18 assists as a team.
 
Mensing was named the Red Lion Inn Player of the Game with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 36 minutes of play time. Kassidy Malcolm also had a good day, picking up 15 points and five rebounds of her own.
 
"I got some great passes from my teammates," Mensing said afterward.  "We were having fun out there tonight, making some extra passes and we were able to find some good opportunities to score."
 
The Wildcats play tomorrow (Nov. 17) at 7:30 p.m. as they take on California State University, San Bernardino at Nicholson Pavilion for their second game of the West Region Crossover.