In their first game since the pandemic ended their season last year during the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Seawolves missed their first 18 shots from 3-point range Monday in Portland.
In their second game since ending a break that lasted more than a year, the Seawolves tied a school record with 16 triples that came on lights-out 16-of-35 shooting from 3-point range Tuesday in Portland.
Both games ended in victory for the UAA women’s basketball team. After taking a 94-55 victory over Multnomah University on Monday, UAA beat Warner Pacific 93-76 on Tuesday.
As usual, defense made a huge difference in both games. The Seawolves had a combined 42 steals and forced their NAIA opponents into a combined 63 turnovers, with 19 steals coming in the Tuesday win.
Seven players sank 3-pointers against Warner Pacific, but the star of shooting display was sophomore Rachel Ingram, who piled up a career-high 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
She hit 8 of 11 shots from 3-point range a day after going 1 of 10 from behind the arc.
“Our shooters really showed what they’re capable of today,” coach Ryan McCarthy said in a release from the school. “After a tough day yesterday Rachel was able to quickly regain her confidence and show why she will be one of the elite shooters in the country the next three years.”
Stephanie Jackson turned in her second straight double-figure game with 15 points, and Sala Langi added 10. Eleven players reached the scoring column, one fewer than Monday.
Warner Pacific led 25-22 after one quarter, scoring the second-most points in a single quarter against UAA since the quarter system was put in place six years ago. Triples by Ingram and Jackson helped the Seawolves to a 47-43 halftime lead.
Jackson’s game included 6 of 9 shooting and career bests in assists (9) and steals (5). The senior guard was a force in Monday’s game too, with five steals, four assists and 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting.
UAA trailed Multnomah by eight points early in the second quarter but ended the half with a 24-2 run. The game ended with 12 Seawolves in the scoring column, 11 with steals and 11 with rebounds.
On Tuesday, 11 had points, nine had rebounds and nine had steals.
The Seawolves have two more games scheduled in their limited spring season. They’ll travel to Southern Oregon next month for a April 16-17 series.