Top-seeded Big Bend, Umpqua meet for a shot at NWAC Championship

lady vikes huddled in a circle — No. 1 seed Big Bend played up to its distinction in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. The Vikings advanced to their second consecutive Final Four after blowing out Mt. Hood, 89-53, and Centralia, 79-52.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Connor Vanderweyst

MOSES LAKE — The tale of the tape is just about even.

Big Bend and Umpqua, which meet in one of Saturday’s NWAC Tournament semifinals, were ranked second and third, respectively, in the final coaches poll. Both teams won their region, have identical 27-4 records, own the two longest win streaks in the NWAC and post similar offensive numbers.

“I think the biggest challenge is just making sure we play within our system and play according to our game plan,” head coach Preston Wilks said. “They’re a good enough team that they can disrupt what you want to do and I think that’s going to just be our biggest challenge is just taking our game plan and making sure we try to stick to it as much as possible.”

No. 1 seed Big Bend played up to its distinction in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. The Vikings advanced to their second consecutive Final Four after blowing out Mt. Hood, 89-53, and Centralia, 79-52.

Leah Dougherty, who is preparing for her sixth tournament game in two seasons, shot 89 percent from the floor against the Saints and scored the game’s first nine points against the Trailblazers. For Big Bend to advance to Sunday’s final, Dougherty will have to continue her increased offense.

Something she has no problem with, especially in Everett.