BELLINGHAM, Wash.— The Central Washington women's basketball team upset No. 5 Western Washington(10-1, 2-1) 76-68 in their return to competition. The Wildcats advance to 9-4 overall and 2-2 in GNAC play. Tonight's win marks the Wildcats first win over a ranked opponent since March 5th, 2020, against No. 4 Simon Fraser in the opening round of the GNAC tournament 76-60.

"Super proud of our team and the growth we have shown this year. Our ability to start the game fast and set the tone in the first half was important. We knew we needed to take care of the ball which we were able to do in the first half. Proud of the stamina and composure we showed in the second half to make just enough plays to hold WWU off." Said CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley. 
 
Kizzah Maltezo led the offense with 29 points alongside Kassidy Malcolm with 19. Samantha Bowman picked up her 9^th double-double on 12 points and 11 rebounds.

"Kizzah was very dynamic and hard to guard. Kass and Sam did what they do but also shouldered a massive load defensively tonight and on the boards. However, every player contributed tonight and I'm so proud for our ladies."

Kizzah Maltezo knocked down the opening three in the corner just in front of the Western bench, and the 'Cats were hot early.

Kassidy Malcolm and Kizzah Maltezo traded jumpers in the post, and it was the freshman Claire Heitschmidt who found the open lane to put the 'Cats ahead 18-9.

Kizzah Maltezo knocked down a big jumper in the corner as time expired and the 'Cats led by ten.

A 61.1% shooting percentage from the field and 60.0% from beyond the arc allowed the 'Cats to take the opening quarter, 26-16.

It was a hot start to the second quarter with three different 'Cats picking up layups on consecutive possessions.

The Vikings found a 9-2 run to begin closing the gap, but Kizzah Maltezo put a quick stop to it with a jumper that left her defender on skates.

A pair of miscues by the 'Cats allowed the Vikings to climb within five.

Tori Maeda and "Sunshine" Valerie Huerta picked up a pair of huge steals to limit the Vikings possessions. Kizzah Maltezo knocked down her 18^th point just before the half to push the lead to ten. The 'Cats lead at halftime, 47-37.

Going head-to-head with the highest scoring defense in the GNAC, the 'Cats were in stride shooting 55.9% from the floor in the opening half.

The second half kicked off slowly with Kassidy Malcolm and Samantha Bowman trading layups with the Vikings.

The Vikings picked up five on a layup and a deep jumper beyond the arc after a pair of free throws from Valerie Huerta.

A free-throw brought the Vikings within eight, but Kassidy Malcolm knocked down two at the charity stripe before the quarter came to a close. The 'Cats led 61-51 after three.

Samantha Bowman picked up an early steal and fed Kizzah Maltezo for a free basket. Maltezo knocked down a big jumper on the following possession to hold the lead at nine.

The Vikings desperately pushed for the lead, going on a 8-2 run to pull within three and a single possession on the 'Cats, 69-66.

Kizzah Maltezo knocked down a big insurance basket on an open lane with just 1:14 on the clock. The 'Cats wound up closing it out on free throws as the Vikings attempted their final push.

The 'Cats upset No. 5 Western Washington 76-68.