CR Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Southwestern Oregon in Thrilling Finish

In a wild, back-and-forth battle, the College of the Redwoods women’s basketball team managed to hold off a late surge from Southwestern Oregon Community College. They pulled away for a 65-57 win that felt hard-earned from start to finish.

Redwoods jumped out to a 19-5 lead in the first quarter. Their three-point shooting was on fire, and Southwestern Oregon looked a bit stunned.

First Quarter Dominance

Mia Hoogendoorn wasted no time, drilling two early threes and setting the tone. Mayleah Jackson made her presence known on defense, grabbing two steals and drawing a charge—she really set the tempo.

Southwestern Oregon barely got anything going in those first five minutes. Redwoods kept piling it on, and by the end of the first quarter, they led 21-12.

Building the Lead

Nora Talty and Cayenne Pruter both knocked down deep shots to keep the lead growing. Hoogendoorn came up with a block that set up Talty for free throws early in the second quarter.

Southwestern Oregon tried to claw back, but Talty banked in a three to quiet things down. Redwoods just kept finding answers.

Second Quarter Resilience

Pressure started to mount as the game wore on. Still, Redwoods showed some serious grit.

Hoogendoorn and Itzel Torres teamed up for a block, which led to another Hoogendoorn bucket. Then Hoogendoorn converted an and-one, stretching the lead to 30-19.

Maintaining Momentum

Kali Hibbert hit a three for Southwestern Oregon, but Redwoods didn’t blink. Jackson snagged a tough defensive rebound, and Talty drilled a three with six seconds left in the half.

Redwoods walked into halftime feeling pretty good about themselves.

Third Quarter Challenges

Things got dicey in the third. Southwestern Oregon ripped off a seven-point run and suddenly, it was anybody’s game.

Redwoods answered with threes from Caidence Young and Talty, but by the end of the quarter, it was tied up at 39. Talty attacked the rim for a tough two, and Hoogendoorn hustled on defense, but Southwestern Oregon just kept coming.

Coach’s Timeout

Coach Bree Northern called a timeout after Redwoods gave up a wide-open corner three in transition. That pause felt needed—the team gathered themselves and shifted gears defensively.

Fourth Quarter Comeback

The fourth quarter was tense. Southwestern Oregon grabbed a 50-49 lead, and it felt like the game could slip away.

Redwoods had trouble with Laker big Audrey Schmickrath, who scored 12 points, but she missed three crucial free throws. With under three minutes left, Talty buried a corner three to put Redwoods up 58-55. The Lakers started to run out of gas, especially after Kaydence Apkaw fouled out.

Sealing the Victory

Itzel Torres hit a huge corner three off a Talty assist, pushing the lead to 62-57. Redwoods took care of business at the line and closed it out, 65-57.

Talty led the way with 25 points on 8-14 shooting, including 6-8 from deep, and grabbed nine boards. Hoogendoorn finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Torres chipped in six assists.

Coach Northern’s Insights

Coach Northern praised the team’s focus and grit. She called out Jackson’s defensive effort early and loved Hoogendoorn’s versatility—she did a bit of everything.

Northern also appreciated Talty’s steady leadership, especially with 18 of her 25 points coming in the second half. All in all, she sounded pretty proud of how her squad handled the pressure.