by EL CAJON, Calif. – Looking to make the GSAC Conference Tournament, the Hawks needed to win Saturday night against Hope International to keep any hope.
The Hawks did just that as they defeated the Royals 79-51.
With the win, SDC improves to 14-9 on the season and 4-8 in GSAC play. HIU falls to 5-15 and 0-10 respectively.
Four of the five starters for the Hawks were in double figures. Natalie Perales led the starters with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Shayleen Toehe (Navajo Nation)led the Hawks off the bench with 20.
In the first quarter, both teams battled for early position but each team traded field goals until the Hawks went on the first run of the game. Tied 7-7, SDC went on a 10-2 run and led 17-9 with 1:32 remaining in the quarter. The Royals scored twice before the end cutting the deficit to five.
SDC turned up the defense in the second, allowing the Royals to just seven points and added 17 of their own to take control of the game at halftime and was able to outscore the Royals each remaining quarter.
The Hawks shot 50 percent from the floor. They also outrebounded HIU 30-22 and forced 24 turnovers.
Anessa Wolfblack (N. Cheyenne & Lakota) scored 11 points and Danna Robles, Ny Lam added 10 apiece.
SDC hits the road on Thursday as they take on Menlo.
Shay Toehe is awesome! She’s my role model, this is no suprise to me. She has been talented ALL her life. Love you Shay Bear 💖👊