SALEM, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball team overpowered NCAA D III opponent Willamette University on Tuesday night, winning by a final of 63-50. The Beacons are off to their best start in program history, winning all five of their counting contests to begin the season.
 
NCU (5-0) shot 44% from the field and out-rebounded the Bearcats 42-32. The Beacons held WU to 35% while forcing 16 turnovers, which they turned into 17 points. 34 of their points came inside, with center Anamaria Virjoghe notching her first double-double in the blue and gold with 22 points and ten rebounds. Virjoghe also made her presence felt on the defensive end, blocking four shots.
 
Head Coach Heath Alexander, in his fourth season with the Beacons, spoke of his teams performance after the game. "It was a great team win tonight against a tough, well-coached Willamette team. Road wins are tough, and we got a big one tonight. I'm really proud of our entire group. Our seniors showed the type of toughness it takes to win, and our younger girls played well."
 
The first quarter saw four lead changes and two ties as the teams traded points to begin the night. NCU took the lead at 3:03 off a three-pointer from Janae Turner and played from out-front for the remainder of the game. Going into the half up by seven, the Beacons played even with the Bearcats in the third before adding six more to their lead in the final period to close the contest.
 
Tuner was three-of-four from long-range for the Beacons, scoring nine points while also grabbing three rebounds and two steals. Niki Duncan had nine as well, with Kaylynn Bush adding eight points of her own and swiping three steals. Katerina Brejchova led all players with 13 rebounds while also contributing three points.
 
Willamette (1-2) had two players in double-digits in Ashley Evans (11) and Drew Farmer (10). Celine Gregoire had eight points and a Bearcat-best seven boards.
 
The Beacons are back on the court tomorrow, traveling to Forest Grove to take on another NCAA D III opponent in Pacific University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.