SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's basketball team was unable to get the stops it needed in the fourth quarter against crosstown rival Willamette University on Friday afternoon, faltering by a final score of 56-47. The two squads entered the fourth quarter of the 'Battle for Salem' deadlocked at 32, but the Bearcats outscored the Navy and Gold, 24-15, in the final 10 minutes.

"Our energy and effort was very good today, it's great to get on the court and see where we are at," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "We got good shots today and didn't get the ball in the basket as much as we wanted. Now, we get to use this to get back to work next week and prepare for our Montana trip."

The game got off to a slow start offensively for both teams, as the first basket of the game didn't come until three minutes in. The two squads combined for just 14 points in the first quarter, as each team searched to find its offensive rhythm in the first game action of the season.

The Warriors began to find a groove in the second quarter, capturing the lead and taking a 20-19 advantage into the locker room at the midway point. Another tightly contested third period led to a 32-point stalemate heading into the fourth quarter, but the visiting team shot at a blistering 60.0% mark from the floor (including 2-of-2 from downtown) to pull away in the game's final minutes.

Amanda Carpenter led all performers with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting for the Bearcats, while Carolyn Ho (4-of-6 FG) and Ava Kitchin (3-of-9 FG) each added nine points.

For the Warriors, reigning Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Newcomer of the Year Halle Wright picked up exactly where she left off in the spring, turning in a team-high 13 points on 6-of-13 shooting in the defeat.

Izzy Boring added nine points and six assists in her collegiate debut, while Shaelie Burgess (8 PTS, 5 REB) and Holly Golenor (7 PTS, 12 REB) patrolled the paint.

Corban (0-1) will now hit the road for a five-game road swing, heading to Montana for battles with Montana State-Northern and University of Providence on November 5-6.