Everett, WA – The Trojans took on conference leading Bellevue (7-1) and did not disappoint the fans that were allowed for the first time at the Walt Price Center this spring COVID-19 season.
Everett played a solid defensive first quarter and held the Bulldogs to just 8 points, while tallying 13 of their own, led by Mikail Montez who scored 5 in the quarter. Bellevue answered in the 2nd quarter finding a rhythm and out scoring EvCC 19-12, going into the half with a two point lead. Both teams struggled offensively in the 3rd quarter each team with just 4 field goals, but Bellevue held the edge with 3 made free throws and pushed the lead out to four.
With just over three minutes to play it looked as though Bellevue would run away with the game building a nine-point lead. Thuyvi Tran converted on a layup to cut into the lead and with 1:22 left to play Sydney VanNess sunk her 3rd three of the game igniting the crowd. The Trojans came up with a big stop and after a timeout drew up a play that found VanNess on another three, that pulled the Trojans within one with just over 30 seconds to play. Everett elected to foul and put Bellevue on the line, who proceeded to convert one of two free-throws.
Trailing by two, Everett had an opportunity to tie or take the lead but a moving screen was called, turning the ball back over to the Bulldogs. From there, Everett was forced to foul and eventually succumbed 53-50. Sydney VanNess led all scorers with 18 and Mikail Montez had a season high 16 points.
The Trojans next play on Saturday at Peninsula College (2-3).