Everett, WA – The women's basketball team opened up north region play on Wednesday night against Skagit Valley College and with it came the return of the Trojan Pep band after an almost 50-year hiatus.
Despite the energy from the band, it was a very tough start for the home Trojans missing their leading scorer and rebounder Mikail Montez who suffered a season ending injury. Everett was out-scored 20-4 in the first quarter, and things didn't get any better in the 2nd quarter. After 4-22 shooting from the floor and 0-10 from three, Everett trailed 41-9 at the half. Eighteen first half turnovers contributed to the deficit with more than an up-hill climb in front of them for the second half.
The Trojans more than doubled their first half offensive output in the third quarter but still gave up 19 points to the Cardinals on the other end and the margin grew to 38. Even with the game in hand, the Trojans played hard until the final buzzer, fighting for loose balls, and giving full effort on the defensive end. It would be the best defensive quarter of the game for Everett, but the shooting struggles continued and the visiting Cardinals prevailed 69-28.
Maddy Thoma was the leading scorer for Everett with 16 points and also pulled down 8 rebounds. Six other Trojans scored, but none higher than 2. It was one of the toughest shooting nights of the season as the team went 13-59 from the field, making only one three-point shot at 1-26.
The Trojans will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to Bellingham this weekend to take on Whatcom. Tip off is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday