PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula College women’s basketball team was in control against Skagit Valley up 19 points heading to the fourth quarter when the bottom fell out of the Pirates’ ship.
Peninsula weathered a 24-2 Cardinals run over a combined 7:34 of the third and fourth quarters, even yielding the lead with 2:43 to play, before finishing out the game with some solid defense to escape with a 64-63 win at home Wednesday.
The Pirates’ lead, which was as high as 21 points late in the third quarter, was unexpected considering Skagit Valley’s talent level, according to Peninsula head coach Alison Crumb.
“It was pretty chaotic, but at the same time I think that its a little misleading,” Crumb said. “Skagit valley is a pretty good team and we expected it to be a pretty even matchup. We were shooting really well through the first three quarters and I didn’t think that same level of success would hold up.”
Crumb said Peninsula started missing 3-point shots, turning the ball over and missing out on defensive assignments during Skagit’s run.
Some fatigue set in with injuries forcing the Pirates into an eight-player rotation, as well.
“We were able to regroup and refocus and we ended up pulling it out,” Crumb said.
“It was a little unrealistic that we were going to go out and crush Skagit Valley. “We are a young team and that was a lesson in learning how to play with the lead against a good team, a team that can score in bunches.
“It was important to learn how to play when things aren’t going as easy. It’s good to go through some things and come out with a win. We were on the opposite end of this last week when we lost by one to Bellevue.”
Logan Luke scored 20 points to lead all scorers.
She added five rebounds and three assists.
“Logan is starting to be way more physical in the post, getting baskets, going forward and not fading away [with her shot],” Crumb said. “She such a good defensive player, I hope she can build off successes and see her kind of shine on the offensive side like this going forward.”
Leilani Padilla hit 3 of 6 3-point shots and had 12 points and 10 rebounds plus four assists
“Hopefully Leilani can continue to do what she does,” Crumb said. “She’s worked herself into a starting position because of her intensity in practice, intensity on the floor. Both of them have been busting their butts all year long.”
Ashylnn Sharp added 11 points and six assists for the Pirates.
Port Townsend product Kaitlyn Meek had two points and three rebounds in 14 minutes of playing time for the Cardinals.
Meek led the Redhawks to the state regional round last season.
Peninsula (1-2, 8-7) visits league-leading Olympic (3-0, 4-13) on Saturday.
Peninsula 64, Skagit Valley 63
SVC 10 15 13 25— 63
PC 15 24 18 7— 64
Skagit Valley (63) — Garner 12, Van Ess 11, Yost 9, Charlie 8, Cox 7, Carr 4, Shipman 4, Skipworth 4, Toycen 2, Meek 2.
Peninsula (64) — Luke 20, Padilla 12, Sharp 11, White 9, Bowen 8, Danner 4, McCaulley, Edwards.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
