EUGENE, Ore. – In a preview for the CCC quarterfinals, Lewis-Clark State capitalized on 22 Bushnell turnovers, taking the regular-season finale, 68-59.
 
After a strong first half that saw the Beacons down just 34-32 after six lead changes and six ties, the Warriors forced ten Bushnell miscues in the third-quarter alone, pulling away for the victory.
 
Bushnell trailed by as many as 12 points in the third, but battled their way back to within six points on multiple occasions in the fourth, led by the strength of seniors Libby Mathis, Liv Tjoelver, and Mandy Sisul, playing in their final home game. The trio combined for 15 of the Beacons 19 points in the final stanza, setting a strong tone for the rematch on Wednesday.
 
The Beacons (11-17, 10-12 CCC) shot 39% in the game, led by 15 points and 11 rebounds from Mathis. Sisul added 13 points while Tjoelker hit a trio of three pointers and filled the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
 
LC State (22-5, 17-5) were led by Sitara Byrd, scoring 15 points and ten rebounds. Darian Herring scored 12 points and nine rebounds despite playing just 20 minutes due to foul trouble. In her stead, Lindsey Wilson came off the bench to post ten points on 5-for-6 shooting.
 
With the Warriors claiming the No. 3 seed and Bushnell earning the No. 6 seed, the teams will tip off once again on Wednesday at 7:00 pm in Lewiston, Idaho for the Cascade Conference Tournament quarterfinals.
 
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
 
"Our three seniors are amazing people who have exemplified what a true Beacon is," said Head Coach Chad Meadors. "They have been perfect examples of high character and are players who I have learned from.  I am blessed to be their coach and watch them grow and identify their calling, and strive to meet their established goals and standards."
 
Liv Tjoelker
Liv is in her second season with the Beacons since transferring from Skagit Valley College. After getting to play in just six games last season due to injury, she has been a big part of the team this year, playing in 23 games and making 21 starts. She is averaging 3.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and she leads the team in free-throw percentage and assists.
 
Coach Meadors said, "Livia is such a competitor. She competes in everything that she does and wears it on her sleeve. How she competes reveals a level of passion that is uncommon, and she uses her passion in all aspects of her life. Liv's competivness will never let you down. 
 
Mandy Sisul
Mandy is in her third season with the Beacons after transferring from Central Washington. She has played in 82 games in her career, making 51 starts and averaging 6.3 points per game. She has made over 100 three-pointers in her career, and this season has set career highs for points.
 
Coach Meadors said, "In all my years as a coach, Mandy is one of the most consistent players I have ever had.  I know I can always count on Mandy. She has worked so hard and each season she has made intentional strides to improve as a player each year she has arrived for fall camp. Mandy simply deserves everything that comes her way."
 
Libby Mathis
Libby has been with the Beacons for five seasons and built one of the most electric careers in Bushnell history. Playing in 124 career games with 59 career starts, Mathis goes down as Bushnell's all-time leader for offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, total rebounds, blocks, and double-doubles and she ranks in the top-five all-time in 13 categories.
 
Last season Libby was a First-Team All-CCC selection and was Bushnell's Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She is also a three-time Cascade Collegiate Conference qualifier in track & field.
 
Coach Meadors said, "The last five years have been a joy for me to get see Libby become the person she is, while becoming a dominant force for our program and in the Cascade Conference.  Libby is one of the smartest and highest IQ players I have had the privilege to coach.