Everett, WA- Head coach Rachel Goetz and the women's basketball team began their quest for back-to-back championships this morning, taking the floor for the early game versus the third-seeded Tacoma Titans from the West Region.
After a stirring rendition of the national anthem to kick off the tournament with energy, the Knights ran out to a big lead in the first quarter, 22-10.
Ashley Taylor Peralta led the way with penetrating drives en route to 12 first half points, and the Knights extended their lead to 41-26 at the break. Tacoma struggled shooting early, and the Knights pressure forced them into 14 first half turnovers.
The second half was more of the same, as the Knights pushed their lead out to 20 points heading into the final quarter. While their shooting percentage wasn't stellar, the Knights used the extra pass and outstanding offensive rebounding to score easy baskets and grow their lead.
Tacoma worked to cut into the lead with a few dribble drives and a few key three point baskets, but the Knights pressure defending proved too much for the Titans on this day. Peralta finished the day with 17 points, while Chasity Spady and Natalie Andreas finished with 15 and 13, respectively.
The Titans season comes to a close, finishing the season with a record of 12-15.
The Knights advance to play in the Elite 8 1pm game Friday, where they will face the winner of the Mt. Hood/Whatcom matchup for a chance to advance to the Final 4 next weekend in Everett.