NAMPA, Idaho.—The Central Washington women's basketball team fell to the Griffins from Westminster (Utah), 78-71 to open the NNU Classic in Nampa, Idaho. 

"We came out too slow in the first quarter and allowed Westminster to set the tone. That was the difference in the game. However, our group showed grit by climbing our way back against a very good team. Down the stretch the difference was that Westminster's players hit some big shots when they needed too and that's what good teams do." Said CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley. 

The opening quarter began in favor of the Griffins. A pair of untimely shots by the 'Cats allowed the Griffins to maintain possession and take a 6-0 lead.

Samantha Bowman was able to find Kizzah Maltezo underneath on the cross for a quick layup to put the 'Cats on the board.

Valerie Huerta drained a jumper from the outside to kick off some momentum for the 'Cats. Kassidy Malcolm and Kizzah Maltezo went back-to-back on layups to cut into the Griffins lead, 14-8.

Kassidy Malcolm drained the first three for the 'Cats at the buzzer and the Griffins took the opening quarter 25-13.

The second quarter was much more favorable to the 'Cats. Kassidy Malcolm stepped into another to open the quarter and the Griffins left an open lane allowing Kizzah Maltezo to drive for the easy basket. The 'Cats cut into the lead, 27-18.

Abby Mangum and the Griffins tacked on a few more, but Valerie Huerta drained a jumper from beyond the arc, cutting the deficit to eight, 29-21 in favor of the Griffins.

Samantha Bowman found an open jumper in the key and the Griffins followed suit with a layup down an open lane. Freshman Amanda Sisul came in big for the 'Cats with an open three at the top of the key.

Samantha Bowman drained a pair of free throws just before the half, and the Griffins close out the second quarter still in front, 34-29.

The Griffins couldn't stabilize the post and Kizzah Maltezo took advantage providing back-to-back layups unanswered. The 'Cats quicky cut the deficit to one.

Ashley Greenwood provided another basket for the Griffins as the reextended their lead. Kizzah Maltezo found some rhythm and put up a jumper from beyond the arc to help the 'Cats hold on, 40-36.

Kassidy Malcolm gave the 'Cats another pair of layups in the post, but the Griffins answered holding the lead 47-40.

After the Griffins landed a pair of free throws, Samantha Bowman rejoined the scoring action winning a pair of one-on-one matches in the post. The 'Cats trailed 49-44.

Tori Maeda drained a deep ball, and Valerie Huerta made a driving layup before the end of the quarter. The 'Cats trailed 52-49 with one quarter left.

The final quarter opened in favor of the 'Cats as Kassidy Malcolm drained the game tying jumper from beyond the arc.

Minor errors by the 'Cats allowed the Griffins to remain in front, but a deep jumper from Kizzah Maltezo held them within four, 58-55.

Shooting struggles allowed the Griffins to extend their lead, but Kizzah Maltezo and Kassidy Malcolm helped the 'Cats remain in the contest with a pair of layups and three-point jumpers each.

Kizzah Maltezo drove for another pair of layups late in the quarter but the 'Cats were unable to overcome the strong-shooting Griffin offense. The 'Cats fell 78-71.

"We learned a lot tonight and grew. I'm proud of our efforts and we will get another shot at them next week. Now the recovery battle begins! We have to bounce back for another great opponent tomorrow night."