IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine women's basketball was back in action on Saturday night, looking to get back in the win column. En route to the lopsided 73-33 victory, the Eagles put on a defensive clinic, holding the Silverswords to less than ten points in each of the first three quarters.
The Eagles had four players in double figures, the third straight game of having at least three double digit scorers.
The Eagles got off to a strong start in the first quarter going 3-6 from behind the three point line and doubling up the Silverswords 16-8 after one.
Freshman guard Lainie James, again coming off the bench, led the Eagles with 17 points to go along with three rebounds.
Joining James in double figures were junior forwards Kennedy Fulcher and Michaela VanderKlugt, and freshman guard Destiny Sambrano
Fulcher finished the evening with 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, good enough for yet another double double.
"Tonight's game was a team win," said Fulcher. "We were able to work together on defense to really shut them down while on offense we really shared the ball which heavily contributed to this Eagle win."
VanderKlugt finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Sambrano had a career night. She posted a career high in both points and rebounds with 10 and seven respectively.
"I give all the credit to my teammates and coaches for helping me everyday," said Sambrano. "The staff is always pushing us all to be the best versions of ourselves."
The third quarter is where the Eagles offense took flight. As a team they shot 71.4% from the field and went 2-2 from behind the arc.
Sophomore guard Katie Timmerman contributed in any way she could tonight. She grabbed a team high 11 rebounds to go along with four assists, six points, and two steals.
Head coach Christine Collins-Kiernan was pleased with her team's bounce back effort after Wednesday's loss.
"We needed a hard reset and hopefully that's what HPU gave us," said Collins-Kiernan. "We will only know if that is the case by showing that we can sustain it."
The Eagles have a quick turnaround as they are back in action on Monday night when they take on the Penguins of Dominican University. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 pm with the men's game to follow at 7:30 pm. For the full CUI women's basketball schedule click here.
