Tacoma, WA – First year head coach Jeannie Thompson got her first career win as a Trojan on opening night of the 2021-2022 season with a 63-58, road win over Tacoma Community College. Three players scored in double figures, with Sydney VanNess leading the way with 16. ThuyVi Tran and Mikail Montez both posted double-doubles with 10 points each and 12 and 11 rebounds respectively.
The Trojans jumped out to a seven point lead by the end of the first quarter led by VanNess's six points. The team was 8 of 18 from the floor and made 2 of 5 threes. The shooting for the Trojans cooled down in the 2nd quarter but the defense remained stout and both Tran and Kendall Carroll led all scorers with six points each. EvCC went into the break with a nine point lead.
Both teams struggled offensively coming out of the half shooting just 30% from the floor. Tacoma chipped into the lead slightly by the end of the 3rd, but still trailed by seven. The home Titans fell down by as much as 12 with 6 minutes remaining, but they made things interesting over the next four minutes, going on a 15-7 run. With just over a minute to go, Everett held on to a 62-58 lead. After a pair of missed free throws, Tacoma had a chance to cut it to a one possession game. Makanalani Montoya launched a three that hit the front iron and the rebound was collected by VanNess. The Titans had to foul and VanNess capitalized on one of two free throws to secure the 63-58 win.
Everett will play again tomorrow at Tacoma, but will take on Highline College. The Thunderbirds fell 66-52 earlier in the day to Shoreline. Tip-off is set for 12pm.