Northwest College

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Lady Trappers' Season Ends With Overtime Loss

Suspense was the main element in the Northwest College women’s basketball game that ended the season.

After working their way into a Region IX playoff contest at Western Nebraska, the Lady Trappers fell 74-70 in overtime March 9.

Trying to advance after an earlier upset victory over Casper College, Northwest started slow, bounced back quickly and had big scoring days from their big players, but still couldn’t hold off the Cougars.

“It was back and forth,” NWC coach Janis Beal said. “We got the lead. They got the lead. People said it was fun to watch.”

Both of Northwest’s centers turned in strong efforts, using their height to pile up the points. Julynne Silva scored 19 points and ripped down 10 rebounds. Dallas Petties added 13 points and 5 rebounds.

“I thought she did a really good job of being aggressive,” Beal said of Silva, a 6-foot-4 freshman from Brazil.

Western got off to a good start, posting a 10-4 lead after the first quarter. Northwest quickly overcame the deficit with a 22-12 second quarter. That gave the Trappers a four-point lead at halftime.

Both of the Trapper point guards also made major contributions. Domenica Gomes, another freshman from Brazil, added 8 points. Sophomore Jessie Lessard scored 9.

The game stayed close for the rest of regulation play and it was tied at 62 going into overtime. One plus for the Cougars was hitting 14 out of 17 free-throw attempts. Northwest missed 10 of its 23 foul-line opportunities.

The season ended in Scottsbluff, Neb., for the 15-17 Lady Trappers, but 10 players are scheduled to return next season. Beal said she hoped the freshmen gained seasoning and experience in the tournament that can help next year.

“I’m very proud of the girls,” Beal said. “They got down, but they never quit. Hopefully, we can build on that for next year.”