Highlanders Drop Close One In Honolulu

HONOLULU, Hawai’i – The University of California, Riverside (UCR) Highlanders crossed the Pacific to the University of Hawai’i at Manoa for a bout against the Rainbow Wahine at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Saturday January 21.

The Wahine jumped onto the scoreboard first, landing a pair of layups before Jordan Webster sunk a three pointer to get the Highlanders on the board. The first period wrapped up with the Wahine in a 14-12 lead. 

The Bows took charge in the start of the second period with a six point run, setting UC Riverside back 20-12. Late in the quarter, a jumper by Anna Blount followed by a three-pointer from Paris Atchley helped make a dent in the deficit. The Highlanders headed into the locker room at halftime down 30-23.

Throughout the third period, the Highlanders held on while putting forth their strongest offensive effort of the game, getting within four points of the Bows and scoring a game-high 17 points in ten minutes. 

In a nine point Highlander run, Mel Finau dropped a three pointer and Anna Blount pitched in with a layup and shot four for four from the free throw line in the final four minutes of the quarter. The Highlanders were down 44-40 heading into the fourth period.

The Highlanders battled for an edge in the final stretch but couldn’t overcome the Rainbow Wahine, who won with a final score of 55-51. 

Mateyah Bryant, Jordan Webster and Anna Blount each contributed 10 points to lead their team in scoring. Webster led the Highlanders defensively with 8 rebounds, while RyAnne Walters chipped in four…