Tritons put scare in Cardinals but fall just short

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Edmonds College (3-11, 0-2) came close but came up short against Skagit Valley College (6-10, 2-0), 73-62, despite forcing 10 steals. The Cardinals capitalized on free throws, converting 20 of 28 attempts to secure the win.

The game began with Edmonds showing defensive intensity, highlighted by Hailey Mata's early swipe at 9:29. Despite the effort, the Tritons struggled to convert opportunities, trailing 20-14 at the end of the first quarter. Ava Uusitalo contributed with a layup and later a free throw, while Kiani Hoolulu added two 3-pointers to keep Edmonds within reach. However, Skagit Valley maintained the lead, capitalizing on free throws and inside scoring to close the quarter ahead by six.

In the second quarter, Edmonds aimed to close the gap, starting with a significant 3-pointer by Jocelyn Tamayo at 8:05, reducing Skagit Valley's lead. Darcie Gonzalez contributed with a jumper at 7:07, assisted by Mata, which further tightened the score. Despite these efforts, the Cardinals maintained their lead through consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer by Maricza Mendoza at 5:07. The quarter ended with Edmonds trailing, as Skagit Valley led 35–26 at halftime.

Edmonds made a significant push in the third quarter, overcoming an 11-point deficit to tie the game. A critical sequence began with Hoolulu's 3-pointer at 8:19, which was part of a series of successful outside shots that helped the Tritons close the gap. Payton Fleishman contributed with a layup and a 3-pointer, and Tamayo added another 3-pointer to keep the team within striking distance. Hoolulu's 3-pointer at 1:03 tied the score at 46-46, and Uusitalo's layup with 7 seconds remaining equalized the game at 48-48. The quarter ended with both teams deadlocked, setting up a dramatic final quarter.

Edmonds began the fourth quarter by regaining a slim lead with a layup from Uusitalo at 9:05, pushing ahead 50-48. The home team briefly extended their lead to three points following a layup by Tamayo at 7:27, making it 53-50. However, Skagit Valley countered with a series of key plays, including a 3-pointer and successful free throws, eventually taking control of the game.

Despite efforts from Edmonds to keep the score close, Skagit Valley's late-game push, highlighted by a jumper from Alyssa Larson at 2:53 and additional free throws, widened the gap. The Cardinals secured the win with a 25-14 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter, ending the game 73-62 in their favor. The final score did not reflect how tight the contest was down the stretch.

Uusitalo finished with 12 points and collected eight rebounds. Gonzalez recorded 11 points and added five steals. Hoolulu scored 12 points, including four 3-pointers. Fleishman contributed 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.

Shoreline (0-16, 0-2) comes to Seaview Gym on Wednesday. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m. following the men's game.