Seattle, Wash. (FEB. 7) - A monstrous first quarter for the Central Washington women's basketball team led to smooth sailing against Seattle Pacific, as the Wildcats handled the Falcons 74-56 on Thursday night. 

"So proud of how our team chose to respond together tonight after struggling last week," CWU head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "We played with energy, trusted one another and shared the ball."

The Wildcats (13-7, 8-5) could not miss in the first quarter against the Falcons (7-13, 6-6). As a team, the Wildcats shot 63.3 percent from three-point range, going 7-for-11 for the quarter. The Wildcats led 5-4 with 8:15 left in the quarter when Taylor Shaw knocked down a three-point. It was the first of four consecutive three's from the Wildcats. Shaw made two in a row, followed by three's from Brianna Phiakhamngon and Kassidy Malcolm. 

The run continued with a bucket from Sadie Mensing, followed by another three-pointer from Phiakhamngon. The quarter ended with yet another three-pointer, this time from Kaelie Flores. 

For as good as their offense was, the Wildcat defense was even better. The team held the Falcons to a field goal percentage of 23.1 percent. The Wildcats owned a 27-8 lead at the end of the first period. 

The Wildcat offense continued to flow throughout the second quarter. Mensing found her rhythm. Mensing scored seven points in the quarter. She went 5-for-8 from the field in the first half. The Wildcats carried a 45-24 lead into halftime. 

The Falcons fought their way back into the contest in the second half. With 7:43 left in the game, the Falcons trimmed the Wildcat lead to 12 points. After a Central timeout, Mensing got to the bucket and converted a layup. It sparked a quick 6-0 run that gave the Wildcats a 68-50 lead with 5:56 remaining in the contest. 

"When SPU made their run, we stayed composed and responded with confidence," Richardson-Thornley said. 

Mensing was spectacular for the Wildcats, leading all players with 25 points. She went 12-for-19 from the field, adding five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Shaw scored 14 points with six rebounds. Malcolm nearly nabbed a double-double, scoring 10 points while grabbing eight rebounds. 

"Sadie had a huge night and was someone we could turn to when we needed a bucket," Richardson-Thornley said. "I'm really happy for her and the team as a whole." 

The last time the Wildcats swept the Falcons took place during the 2000-2001 season. The Wildcats won 67-55 in on the road before taking the home game 71-62.  

The Wildcats take on Saint Martin's on Saturday in Lacey, Washington.