Game Recap: Pirates Storms Back Against Mountaineers

 

Last season, the Whitworth Pirates would have been led onto the court by All-American Kayla Johnson but this was now a new-look team; a team that would be seeking its new identity. The Whitworth Pirates would be facing a big test in their regular season opener against the undefeated Eastern Oregon Mountaineers. The Mountaineers held a 4-0 record entering the game and was looking to improve to 5-0 against the Pirates who have yet to play a regular-season game.

In the opening minutes, the Mountaineers’ cohesion and chemistry began to show. The Mountaineers raced out to a 15-5 lead and led the Pirates 31-15 with just 1:36 left to go in the first half. The Pirates primary woes in the first half were a result of their offense. The Pirates shot just a shade above 28% from the field in the first half and attempted just four shots from the foul-line.

“We actually defended okay the first half and our effort was there so the biggest adjustments were on the offensive end.” Whitworth coach Helen Higgs said. Heading into halftime the Pirates managed to close the gap but the Mountaineers led the game 31-21.

“Our team stuck together. At halftime we stayed positive and then we came out and played how we knew we could.” Whitworth forward Faith Emerson said. “It was our first game against a tough team and we supported each other all the way until the end.”

The Pirates’ sense of togetherness that Emerson spoke of manifested itself in the second half. The Pirates began the second half somewhat slowly as they were still behind the Mountaineers 37-25 with 16:08 left in the game. Then the Pirates started to heat up.

The Pirates went on a 10-0 run led by forward Jessica Kramer and guard K.C. McConnell as both scored all 10 points igniting the Pirates comeback as they trailed just 37-35 with 13:37 left in the game.

                The Mountaineers would retaliate by scoring the next four points to push the lead back to six, but from that point on it was all Whitworth Pirates. Having scored just 35 points in the first 26:23 of the game, the Pirates would explode for 32 points in the final 11:54 minutes of the game. The Pirates’ offensive explosion was led by McConnell who scored 11 points of the Pirates final 32 points.

“[We] talked about where the gaps were to attack on the dribble and not just settle for long jumpers.” Higgs said. “We had great half-court defense and found the right times and places to double in and create some extra turnovers.”

            Of course, Whitworth’s offense was its ultimate driving force toward the 67-55 comeback win against the Mountaineers however their second-half defense was a huge factor as well. The Pirates forced 15 second half turnovers which resulted in easy opportunities on offense.

                “In the second half we started to dictate the tempo of the game then our shots started falling, our defense picked up and that’s how we pulled out a tough win.” Emerson said.

                The Pirates improve to 1-0 on the season by passing a tough test in their opener against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers who now fall to 4-1. The two teams will face-off again at the Lady 'Yote Classic in Caldwell, Idaho on November 28th.