NAMPA, Idaho – The Westminster women's basketball team couldn't overcome a hot shooting night from Northwest Nazarene and they dropped the season opener, 84-68, on Saturday night.
 
It was Westminster (0-1) that started fast as they raced out to an early 14-5 lead on their way to a 16-6 advantage after the first quarter. They were leading 24-19 with 4:07 to play in the second quarter when Northwest Nazarene (1-0) used a 13-3 run 0 including the final nine points of the quarter – to take a 32-27 advantage into halftime.
 
The Crusaders opened the second half with a 10-1 spurt to expand their advantage to 14 where it stayed in double figures the rest of the night. The Griffins pulled within 74-64 with 2:37 remaining in the fourth quarter before the home side closed the win with a 10-4 run.
 
NNU shot 51.7 percent from the floor on the night after going 2 for 15 in the first quarter. They outscored the Griffins 42-24 in the paint and got 24 points from 19 Westminster turnovers. The Griffins shot 47.3 percent from the field, but went just 6 of 21 (28.6 percent) from beyond the arc.
 
Denise Gonzalez led three Griffins in double figures with 18 points. She made 8 of 14 from the field while adding two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Sydnee Taylor finished her first official game with the team with 17 points. Aubrie Vale added 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
 
Westminster had 13 assists as a team and they collected 30 rebounds. NNU grabbed 35 boards, including 15 offensive for 14 points, and blocked four shots.
 
Ellie Logan scored 16 points to lead five Crusaders in double figures. Lexi Tubbs and Marina Valles had 13 apiece.
 
The Griffins return to action on Friday when they face Concordia (Ore.) at the Concordia Classic. The action starts at 8 p.m. MT from Portland.