Edmonds downs Peninsula, moves to 2-0 in region play

PORT ANGELES -- The Edmonds Community College women’s basketball program has started regional play with two wins after Saturday’s triumph in Port Angeles over Peninsula College.

The Tritons shot 48% from the field and held the Pirates to 32% shooting. Just over one minute into the game they took a lead they would not relinquish. At the break, they led 35-27 and hung on to claim the important 74-67 road victory. Jerzie Pluid recorded her second double-double in the past three games with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and was one of four players to reach double figures (Kalei Cates scored 19, Rachael Balagso had 16 and Gieani Balino added 11). Edmonds withstood Leilani Padilla’s 27-point effort by the Pirates (1-1 North, 8-5 overall). When it mattered in the fourth quarter, Padilla was limited to just three points, all coming from the charity stripe.

Sophomore Gieani Balino

In Wednesday’s NWAC North Region opener at home versus Shoreline, the Tritons fought off a pesky Dolphins team 96-83 behind Gieani Balino’s offensive explosion. The sophomore guard scored a career-high 28 points and also swiped 10 steals. She is now averaging just over 18 ppg, which is 7^th best in the NWAC. It was a back-and-forth battle through three quarters before the Tritons pulled away in the final stanza. Edmonds outscored Shoreline 34-24 in the fourth quarter. The Tritons shot a blistering 53% from the floor and forced 35 Dolphin turnovers, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter.

Edmonds (2-0 North, 5-10 overall) is scheduled to play in Bremerton at Olympic College (0-2 North, 3-8 overall) on Wednesday, January 15. Follow the Triton Athletics Twitter for the

most up-to-date information on any game changes or cancellations. Western Washington is supposed to receive snow this week along with subfreezing temperatures for several days.