Torland, Berkey Lead Wolves to Win over Broncos

Western Oregon tops Cal Poly Pomona 76-69 in GNAC-CCAA Challenge.

Salem-News.com Sports

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Leada Berkey hit six free throws in the final 30 seconds and sophomore Katie Torland had a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds as Western Oregon defeated Cal Poly Pomona 76-69 in the second game of the GNAC-CCAA Women’s Basketball Challenge at the Physical Education Building.

The win helped the Great Northwest Athletic Conference sweep the California Collegiate Athletic Association on the night, as Saint Martin’s defeated Humboldt State in the first game, 65-63. Western Oregon improved to 4-4 on the season, while Cal Poly Pomona dropped to 1-4.

Berkey nailed nine of ten free throws on the night, including eight of eight in the second half. She finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. Torland was also reliable at the charity stripe, hitting 12 of 15 on her way to 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Reyana Colson led Cal Poly Pomona with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Vanessa Dominguez added 17 points for the visitors.

Cal Poly Pomona led for most of the first half, although by no more than seven points. The Broncos shot 52 percent from the field in the first half, while Western Oregon connected on only 31 percent of their shots. 17 Bronco turnovers helped keep the hosts close, as did WOU’s Torland’s 13 points before intermission.

The Broncos continued to lead in the second half until three consecutive baskets by Vanessa Wyffels gave the Wolves a 53-52 lead. Four free throws by Torland and a basket by Berkey gave WOU a 59-52 margin, their largest of the game.

But CPP would come back with a run of its own, and the two squads would then trade baskets down the stretch. Berkey’s pair of free throws with 3:13 remaining gave WOU a 66-65 lead, and they would never trail again, although CPP would tie it with 1:21 left on free throws by Colson at 69-69.

But the Broncos wouldn’t score again and Berkey’s free tosses sealed the game.

Saint Martin’s will take on Cal Poly Pomona on Friday at 2 pm, while Western Oregon will play No. 12 nationally ranked Chico State.

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