SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's basketball team dropped their first game of Cascade Collegiate Conference play on Tuesday night against I-5 rival Bushnell University by a final score of 73-53. The visiting Beacons, who were champions of the 2020 spring season, used an efficient offensive effort to slowly pull away from the Warriors in the contest.

"I am proud of the grit and determination this team is showing while being shorthanded," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "If we can limit the points off turnovers, which is something that Bushnell is very good at, I feel we can compete with anyone in our conference."

The Navy and Gold trailed by just three at the halfway mark of the first quarter, but the Beacons were able to build upon that mark and take a 14-point lead into the half. Another strong effort in the second half propelled Bushnell to a 1-0 start in the conference campaign.

Turnovers played a major role in the mid-week contest as the two teams combined to turn the ball over 40 times. The Beacons used the extra possessions more efficiently than the Warriors however, outscoring Corban 38-20 in the points-off-turnover category.

Gemma LaVergne (25 PTS, 9-of-17 FG, 5-of-11 3PT) continued her recent hot streak for the Navy and Gold leading all players in scoring. It is the third straight 20-plus point performance from LaVergne. Meanwhile, Holly Golenor (15 PTS, 12 REB) chipped in her second double-double of the campaign for Corban. "Gemma and Holly have consistently stepped up and proved they can be go to players on the offensive end," said Pilgeram.

For Bushnell, Aspen Slifka (20 PTS, 8-of-17 FG), Bella Pedrojetti (12 PTS, 5-of-7 FG), Kalina Rojas (12 PTS, 6-of-9 FG), and Sarah Reinecker (11 PTS, 4-of-7 FG) all reached double-figures for the visiting squad.

Corban (1-6, 0-1) will head into the Thanksgiving break looking to get healthy and prepare for the rest of the conference run. They return to the court in Portland, Ore. against Warner Pacific University on Dec. 3. Tip is slated for 5:30 p.m.