ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball team split two games this weekend in the William Jessup Invitational tournament. The Beacons knocked off the hosts on Friday night, 87-74 before falling to Fresno Pacific University on Saturday, 52-31.

The Beacons steamrolled the Warriors early on, building a 20-point lead as they shot 71% in the opening half. The Warriors clawed their way back and were down just 44-32 at the intermission and came within four points late in the second half, but NCU held on for the victory.

“We showed some good composure late in the game,” said Head Coach Liz Turner-Bolton. “We were facing a raucous crowd and didn't have a lot of the officiating going our way so it was good to see the girls keep their heads in it at the end.”

NCU was led by the strong guard play of Katey Monteith (pictured) and Callie McVicker who combined for 34 points. Monteith shot 8-for-12 from the field including a pair of three-pointers, leading the Beacons with 19 points. McVicker added 15 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the floor. Emily Gray took advantage of a guard-oriented opponent and scored 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Gray also added a team-high five rebounds.

The story was much different for the Beacons on Saturday. Despite continuing a dominating defensive style of play, holding Fresno Pacific to just 52 points, The NCU offense was never able to get things going. The Beacons set a new all-time record for futility with just 31 points, breaking a record set against Corban College in December 2004.

Coach Bolton said, “We were manhandled by their pressure today. They are a very physical and aggressive team and we were having a hard time handling that.”

The Beacons (3-3) were led by McKenzie Gambee, coming off the bench to score nine points. Gray added eight points and eleven rebounds finishing a strong weekend that led to recognition on the All-Tournament team. NCU turned the ball over 24 times and shot just 28% in the contest.

NCU will be back in action on Tuesday as they travel to face Walla Walla University. They return home next week for a Thanksgiving-week game against Simpson University on Tuesday.