By Kent Williams

Audio story

Following a huge win last Wednesday, the Bushnell Beacons women’s basketball team(4-2, 1-0 CCC) were looking to start conference play in a similar fashion. And facing off against the Corban Warriors(2-4, 0-1 CCC) was the perfect opportunity to do so, as the Beacons had won their previous six contests against them. Following tonight, that tally can be increased to seven, as the Beacons played a stout defensive game on route to a 59-48 win. The final score can be deceiving, as the Warriors were able to put up a lot of points after the game had already been sealed away, and Bushnell will go into their next matchup feeling confident, despite a lackluster shooting night.

The big story for the Beacons tonight was their defensive performance, allowing nothing easy for the visiting Corban squad. Racking up 11 steals as a team, they did a great job hounding ball handlers and playing the passing lanes with active hands. Stepping up big for the Beacons was junior center Libby Mathis, racking up 3 blocks and a steal coming off the bench, while also contributing on the offensive end with 6 points, going 3-4.

Also performing well for Bushnell was veteran forward Aspen Slifka, who dropped a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, as well as 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Not only was she piling up the box score, but Slifka was also doing all the little things, tipping lots of passes, making heads up cuts to the basket, and overall showing her IQ for the game. In a game where plenty of Beacons contributed in a positive way, Aspen was certainly the standout for her team.

Bushnell will continue conference play on Friday, going up against the Multnomah Lions(2-2, 0-0 CCC), with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 pm.

Postgame audio from coach Meadors: