SALEM, Ore. – With only seven players available, the Corban University women's basketball team hung steady for most of Friday evening's Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) battle with Multnomah University. The Warriors got off to a hot start in a strong first quarter, and at the midway point the Navy and Gold trailed by just three. Unfortunately, the shorthanded squad was unable to maintain the pace in the second half, as the Lions pulled away to earn a 60-49 victory.

"I've never been prouder of a team and how they battled tonight," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "We understandably ran out of gas a little bit, but we never stopped competing! Our intensity and mindset to start the game were exactly what we wanted."

It was an auspicious start for the Navy and Gold, as the hometown team outscored the visitors 20-13 in a strong first quarter—one which was punctuated by an off-balance, buzzer-beating three from Gemma LaVergne.

The Lions would utilize their depth and fresh legs to bounce back in the second period and eventually take the lead with 2:20 left in the half.

The resilient Warriors refused to go quietly, retaking the lead (41-40) with 2:23 left in the third quarter thanks to a basket from Siara Moppin-Sumey. Multnomah would close the quarter on a 7-0 run, however, regaining the advantage and retaining it for the remainder of the contest.

Alaygza Portis was absolutely brilliant for the Lions in the win, scoring 21 points, grabbing 14 boards, and dishing out five assists. She led all performers in all three categories.

Dalila Rincan (13 points) and Bailey Dickerson (12 points, five rebounds) also made their presence felt offensively, while shifty guard Teresa Torres ended the night with 10 boards.

For Corban, which was without leading scorer Holly Golenor, Madison Hodnett led the way with 11 points and 11 boards, good for the second double-double of her career.

LaVergne was one rebound shy of a double-double herself, ending the night with 10 points and nine boards. Gracie McCoy added nine points, four rebounds, and tied with Kaci Paffhausen for a team-leading three assists.

Corban (3-17, 2-11 CCC) will be back on Tim Hills Court tomorrow afternoon, looking to bounce back against Warner Pacific University. Game time is slated for 3 p.m.