ASHLAND, Ore. – Thanks to the best three-point shooting performance of the season for the host school, the Corban University Women's Basketball team was unable to keep pace with the No. 24-ranked Southern Oregon University Raiders this evening, as they dropped a 74-49 matchup with SOU earlier this evening down the I-5 corridor in Ashland.

"SOU did a good job of keeping defensive pressure on us and never letting us feel comfortable on offense," Corban head coach Bill Pilgeram stated. "When they are doing that and shooting the ball like they did, it is a lethal combination, especially on the road. We will bounce back and get ready to compete again tomorrow in Klamath Falls."

The No. 24-ranked Raiders (12-4, 8-2) took control of the tip and never looked back on their home court, earning the -point win against the Warriors (5-11, 4-6) in the first of two road matchups for Corban. Southern Oregon, not exceptionally known for their accuracy from beyond the three-point arc, couldn't miss from deep this evening in an endless barrage by the home team, more specifically by guard Sierra Scheppele, who has 26 points at the half with 8-of-9 attempts from three finding the mark. Scheppele went on to set the all-time single game record for made three-point attempts in program history at 10 tonight, demonstrating how truly unique the Raiders' offense performed against Corban was today.

After only a five-point quarter to kick off the contest, the Navy and Gold had to fight tooth and nail to keep within striking distance throughout the second period but were instead introduced to the Raiders' uncanny ability to find paydirt on every three-point attempt, ending the half with a controlling 43-19 lead.

Despite the Warriors' best efforts to find their own three-point consistency, nearly every shot they took this evening clanged off the rim and into the hands of Southern Oregon. The sluggish start was detrimental in Corban's ability to locate their shooters in rhythm, with the Navy and Gold now needing to make up a double-digit deficit and time quickly fleeting.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors were able to slightly dig out of the hole that Scheppele put them in thanks to a fiery first 20 minutes of play offensively, but ultimately fell 74-49 at the Lithia Motors Pavilion. The Navy and Gold established themselves through the paint and in transition throughout the second half, a pair of offensive focal points that Coach Pilgeram and his staff have been trying to establish for the program as they near the midway point of the conference season.

After a less-than-stellar start to the matchup, Warriors' senior guard Maddie Godwin found her footing in the third quarter to become the only Corban student-athlete in double-figures today, scoring 15 points, dishing out three assists, and nabbing three steals. Junior guard Alyssa Wyllie tossed in seven points in 15 minutes of action and sophomore forward Sevennah Van De Riet brought down a game-high nine rebounds, which is a new career-high mark for the Corvallis native.

Scheppele finished with a game-high 32 points after breaking the school record in 29 minutes played, becoming the only Raider in school history for both women's and men's basketball to hit double-digits in made threes for a single game. Forward Kami Walk added 13 points and eight rebounds in the post, with four other Southern Oregon players scoring at least five points.

Another NAIA top 25 opponent awaits the Navy and Gold tomorrow afternoon in Klamath Falls, as No. 20-ranked Oregon Tech (15-1, 9-1) will host a 3pm matchup with Corban at Danny Miles Court.

Follow Corban Athletics:
Facebook l Twitter l Instagram l Snapchat l YouTube l Email

Download our App: iOS (iPhone/iPad) l Android