The Highline women’s basketball team picked up its first wins of the new season, going 2-1 last week.
Highline defeated Skagit Valley 58-50 for its first win on Dec. 1. On the road, Highline picked up another win against Olympic, 64-48 last Saturday, before falling to Peninsula last Sunday, 64-47.
Against Skagit, the Lady-T-Birds led from the first quarter onward, withstanding a late run by the Cardinals in the final quarter. Highline outrebounded Skagit 47-32, giving them 18 second-chance points. The Thunderbirds notably dominated in the paint where they scored 38 of their 58 points.
Kylie Lunday was in the groove with 25 points and 20 rebounds, her first double-double performance of the season. Guard Partea Topp swished a pair of three-pointers among her 14 points.
This past weekend the Lady-Tbirds travelled to Port Angeles for the Peninsula College Pirate Classic. Highline went 1-1 for the weekend winning their first game against Olympic and falling to Peninsula.
Saturday evening, Highline triumphed over the Rangers with an early lead and double-digit contributions from three players.
Highline made a statement in the first quarter, taking a 21-7 lead. Olympic didn’t get closer than seven points the rest of the way.
Kylie Lunday notched her second double-double with 23 points and 19 rebounds.
Patrea Topp had 14 points and Catherine Sunny sank three 3-pointers for 11 total points.
Highline outrebounded Olympic 48-24.
“Major contributors to our game against Olympic were communication on offense and defense and making our layups,” said Highline guard Patrea Topp.
Sunday evening, the Lady T-birds matched up against tournament host, 3-1 Peninsula. The Pirates tipped off to a strong start in the first scoring 15-6. The Pirate bench scored 8 of their 15 points. Peninsula snagged 16 rebounds to Highline’s 7 in the first.
“The main aspect that killed us in the beginning was their energy on defense and execution on offense, ” said Highline Guard Hi’ilani Arai.
Highline struggled to make up the first-quarter deficit in the second trailing 18-12. The score was 33-18 at half time. At the third, Highline took advantage of Peninsula fouls by shooting 81.8 percent from behind the foul line. Free throw execution allowed Highline to outscore the Pirates 17-12 in the third quarter.
But Peninsula took control in the fourth, outsourcing Highline 19-12 to take the victory. The Pirates outrebounded Highline 42-29, and outshot the T-Birds 40.3 percent to 31.9 percent. .
Peninsula guards Emilia Long and Tatiana Kamae pitched in 13 points each.
Sophomore Kylie Lunday led Highline with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Hiilani Arai, Patrea Topp, and Savannah Arneach each tallied 8 points.
Peninsula was an all-around skilled team, said Arai.
“We played a harder team and I felt like we didn’t keep our composure. Together we knew we could’ve done way better,” said Arai.
Center Kylie Lunday is a force to be reckoned with for Highline. The super sophomore grabbed her third-straight double-double of the season against Peninsula.She currently ranks third in NWAC rebound and points per game, and fourth in total blocks.
“She does everything and is one of the best players in the conference. She is the key to our success,” said Highline Head Coach Damien Crump.
Highline’s record is 2-3 overall as they prepare for a busy month ahead. From now until the start of winter quarter 2022, the Lady T-birds have eight games lined up.
The Lady T-Birds host 3-1 Whatcom at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11 in their next game.
On Dec. 17, 18 and 19, Highline will travel to Wenatchee for the NWAC Crossover and Wenatchee Crossover. They are scheduled to play Olympic on Friday, Wenatchee Valley on Saturday, and Clackamas on Sunday.
With a short Christmas break, the Lady T-Birds pick back up and travel to Mt. Vernon for the Skagit Valley Holiday Tournament. On Dec. 28 Highline matches up with Everett and on Dec. 30 they host Skagit Valley.
League play begins the first week of 2022. Highline challenges regional opponents Green River on Wednesday, Jan. 5 and Lower Columbia on Saturday, Jan. 8. Both are away games.