Peninsula Showcases Defensive Prowess with 66-44 Win over Chemeketa to open 2025 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship

PASCO, Wash. - Peninsula College (23-2) secured a victory 66-44 over Chemeketa Community College (19-11) in the opening game of the 2025 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Golf Universe, on Wednesday at Columbia Basin College.

The North No. 1 seeded Pirates extended their winning streak to 22 games in advancing to the Elite 8 round for a fifth-straight tournament.

The Pirates showcased several standout performers including Ciera Tugade Agasiva who led the team in scoring with 15 points. Alexa Mackey dominated the boards with a team-high 16 rebounds, contributing significantly with 11 points and four assists. Jelissa Julmist demonstrated defensive prowess with three steals and added five points. Alecsis Smith also made a notable impact, securing 10 rebounds and contributing seven points, bolstering the team's presence in the paint.

Peninsula dominated the first half against the Storm, leading 16-3 at the end of the quarter. The Pirates' defense was strong, forcing five turnovers and securing three steals. They continued to control the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Storm 20 to two. The Pirates' strong defense limited Chemeketa to just one basket on 15 attempts, while they forced six turnovers and recorded three steals. This remarkable defensive performance set an NWAC tournament record for the fewest points allowed in a half, holding Chemeketa to just five points.

In the third quarter, the Pirates maintained a considerable lead, despite being outscored by the Storm 14-11. Peninsula's defensive efforts were highlighted by 17 total rebounds, including eight offensive, compared to Chemeketa's seven total rebounds. Peninsula scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 66-44 victory over the Storm, who managed 25 points in the final ten minutes. The Pirates never trailed in the game after an incredible effort in the first half.

Bree Peters stood out for the Storm with a strong defensive effort, recording 3 blocks and 4 steals while contributing 11 points and 5 rebounds. Mady Diaz was the leading scorer for the team, posting 10 points, including 2 three-pointers. Annie Bafford was efficient from the field, scoring 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, and added 2 blocks and 2 steals.

The Pirates move onto the Elite 8 round of the tournament and will face the winner of Big Bend and South Puget Sound on Thursday at 2 pm.