by RYAN HUETER
Sequim Gazette
When the Pirates’ hasty passes quickly reversed course and their shots trickled out-of-bounds, they turned over control not only of the basketball, but of the game.
In committing 29 turnovers, the Peninsula College women’s basketball team limited their opportunities and failed to utilize their remaining chances, falling to the Bellevue College Bulldogs 67-40 on Jan. 8.
“That is a mental thing, if it’s there, if it isn’t,” said Peninsula coach Alison Crumb on the frequency of turnovers. “We need to play a little better when faced with adversity.”
Bellevue dominates throughout game
Ranked eighth in the NWAACC, the Bulldogs (2-0 division, 8-3 overall) opened with an 8-0 run and never trailed in the North Division contest.
The Pirates (1-1 in conference play, 4-7 overall) appeared to be inching their way back into the game when Danika Goodwin sank a free throw to shorten Bellevue’s lead to 32-22 with just over one minute to play. The Bulldogs responded with seven points over the final minute to close out the first half leading 39-22.
Bellevue started the second frame with a 21-6 run, culminated by A.C. DenHartog’s 3-point play to give the Bulldogs a commanding 60-28 lead with about 11 minutes left to play.
Megan Smith and Shawna Thein each scored 10 points for the Pirates. Goodwin added nine points and nine rebounds.
DenHartog led Bellevue with 22 scores while Kelsey Sparks added 17 buckets.
Tentative approach costs Peninsula
“We were playing scared, playing afraid to lose,” said Crumb, “and anytime you do that, that is what will happen.”
More than any other factor, Peninsula’s inability to take care of the basketball led to their downfall and 36 points for the Bulldogs.
Pirates best Olympic
Peninsula captured an important North Division victory, edging the Olympic College Rangers 46-45 on Jan. 5 in Bremerton.
Despite being out-rebounded by the Rangers (0-2 division, 3-7 overall) 68-43, the Pirates took advantage of their limited opportunities. With nearly 15 fewer field-goal attempts, Peninsula capitalized on their shots while Olympic shot an abysmal 18 percent from the field.
“We are happy to come away with a road win, although it was not pretty,” said Crumb. “We’re excited to get the win.”
Goodwin paced the Pirates with 17 points while corralling nine boards and passing out six assists.
Callie Monfrey added eight points and 12 rebounds, including 10 on the defensive end of the court.
Peninsula travels to Skagit Valley College to face the Cardinals (2-0 division, 9-3 overall) at 5 p.m. today, Jan. 12.
Reach Ryan Hueter at news@sequimgazette.com.
