Josephine Matau Shines in Tough Matchup

In a tough matchup at Myklebust Gymnasium, Tacoma Community College (1-26, 1-9 NWAC) faced a determined Lower Columbia College (22-4, 10-1 NWAC) and fell 83-50. The Titans showcased grit with a 26-point effort in the paint, but LCC's impressive 52 rebounds set the tone for the game.

The Titans started off with energy as Josephine Matau made her presence known quickly, grabbing a steal and scoring a layup soon after the tip. TCC briefly took a 6-2 lead with another Matau layup, but LCC's consistent play, led by Shailoh Li'ili'i and Jaci Gonnie, soon took over. By the end of the first quarter, LCC had surged ahead to a 23-12 lead, despite a late three-pointer from TCC's Jasmeen Kaur.

In the second quarter, LCC kept up their momentum, stretching their lead to 17 points at one stage. Brooklyn Swenson added two free throws, while Taylor Dagons and Lillian Bickford chipped in with layups. Jasmeen Kaur fought back with a three-pointer and layup for TCC, and Matau added a layup and free throw before the half. LCC still held firm, going into halftime with a 42-28 advantage, thanks to a tip-in from Breanna Albright.

The third quarter saw LCC further cement their lead, finishing the period at 69-44. TCC's Ikunaday Filipe started strong with a layup, but LCC's Shailoh Li'ili'i answered right back with support from Jaci Gonnie. Angelica Askey's steal and layup fueled LCC's run, while Lanasha Lacy's back-to-back three-pointers offered a spark for TCC. However, LCC's relentless scoring, highlighted by Adrian Wright's three-pointer, kept them comfortably ahead.

In the final quarter, LCC maintained control, clinching an 83-50 victory. Angelica Askey was instrumental in extending LCC's lead, capitalizing on both field goals and free throws following a technical foul on Lanasha Lacy. Despite TCC's efforts to close the gap, including a late layup by Matau, LCC's defense and rebounding prowess sealed the deal.

Tacoma Top Performers:

Lanasha Lacy
- 15 points
- 5 rebounds
- 3 3-pointers

Josephine Matau
- 11 points
- 12 rebounds
- 2 steals

Jasmeen Kaur
- 10 points
- 2 assists
- 2 3-pointers

Laney Green
- 3 steals
- 3 assists

Go Titans!