By Jordan Wyatt:

Instead of raiding clearance buckets at a megastore, Westmont Men’s Basketball (3-2) spent their Black Friday draining baskets as part of the Lamont Ramsey Classic in Atherton, hosted by Menlo College.

From the get go, no tryptophan lull seemed to slow the Warriors. Overall, Westmont shot 64 percent (28 of 44) from the field, including 57 percent (4 of 7) from three-point land, as the team pulled away in the second half to secure a 80-59 victory over the Oaks of Menlo (2-5, 1-0).

Senior forward C.J. Miller (20 points on 9 of 12 shooting, 4 rebounds) was particularly fiery, scoring 10 of the Warriors’ initial 12 points to open the game. Junior center Daniel Carlin (8 points, 9 rebounds) manhandled the glass early, recording five rebounds in the first 10 minutes of play.

[Box Score]

By Jordan Wyatt:

Westmont College’s Murchison Gymnasium featured an all-day affair of athletic activity Saturday as fans were treated to a double serving of NAIA women’s basketball, a NAIA Volleyball National Championship Opening Round contest, and finally, a Westmont Men’s Basketball game that didn’t tip-off until shortly after half past nine.

The evening match-up pitted the Warriors (2-2) against NCAA Division III Pomona-Pitzer (1-2), and regardless of the abnormal start time, the game did not disappoint. When the final buzzer of the day sounded, the Warriors had capped off the bevy of sporting events as victors, ousting the Sagehens 77-69.

The first half consisted of much defensive pressure from both squads. Consequently, neither team shot over 50 percent in the initial 20 minutes; keeping the opening half’s scoring low – 33-29 in favor of the Sagehens.

[Box Score] [More Photos]

Competing with a wind-chill factor of 15 degrees at the NAIA Women’s Cross Country Championship in Lawrence, Kansas, Westmont Women’s Cross Country finished 18th out of a field of 32 national competitors.

Freshman Kelly Collins was the Warriors’ top-finisher, completing the 5,000 meter course at Rim Rock Farm in a time of 18:59 and finishing 62nd out of 319 finishers.

“Kelly held her own and did not fold under pressure competing as our number one runner and at nationals for the first time,” noted Westmont head coach Russell Smelley. “We had a one minute team spread, the best of the season. We had hoped we would have that level of performance. It was a reasonable performance for our women. Their aspirations were a little higher but they held together well in a large field and on a challenging course. I think the temperature had an effect on their ability to run fast.”

[results]

In a closely contested battle with Menlo, #14 Westmont Volleyball has advance to the NAIA National Championship Final Site by defeating the Oaks 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-14). Junior outside hitter Madison Serrano tallied 21 kills for the Warriors while hitting .327 from the field.

“I was very impressed with the Menlo squad,” offered Westmont head coach Patti Cook. “I thought they were a well-coached team. We were physically more dominant, but they didn’t play like they were overmatched at all.”

“Our team played a good match as well,” continued Cook. “Tonight everything came together quite well. Every offensive player was aggressive and went after the Menlo block. Ciena (Colburn) made some key hits and blocks. Missy (Fuerst) did a fantastic block of stepping into the middle role and filling the shoes of Ciara (Turner).

“Outside hitters Madison (Serrano) and Jessica (McCann) did a good job of slowing down Menlo’s Courtney Calicdan. Jessica made some great saves on defense and put up a nice block. Madison had a good night, playing like a seasoned veteran. Her arm speed was incredible.

[box score] [photos]

Westmont (15-1-4) goalkeeper Lindsey Smith answered the call when the season was on the line in the Warriors’ NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Opening Round game at Thorrington Field on Saturday.

After regulation and two periods of overtime, the game with Westminster of Utah (11-7-3) was officially declared a 2-2 tie. However, a tie doesn’t determine who advances to the second round – nor does it determine whose season comes to an end. That determination came in the form of a shootout in which Smith produced back-to-back saves as Westmont players went four-for-four on their own penalty kick attempts to secure a 4-1 win in the shootout.

“Lindsey was a world class keeper today,” said Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely. “Her saves in the penalty kicks were quite excellent.

“We didn’t find ourselves in a good position, coming from behind twice in one day,” said Kiely. “I didn’t think that we were very sharp defensively today. But, I was so proud of the players for their ability to come from behind. I really appreciate our fans because they helped our success on the day and we definitely felt all the support.”

[box score] [photos]

The first day of the CHM Hotels Basketball Invitational at Westmont is in the books with #3 Westmont Women’s Basketball (3-2) posting a 65-44 win over #18 Carroll of Montana (5-1) and #6 Freed-Hardeman of Tennessee (5-1) defeating #10 The Master’s (3-2) by a count of 75-68.

The invitational will continue tomorrow afternoon with Carroll and The Master’s facing off at 1:30 p.m. and Freed-Hardeman and Westmont following at 3:30 p.m.

Both of tomorrow’s games are rematches from the 2013 NAIA National Championship. In the first round last March, Carroll defeated The Master’s 73-58 while Westmont claimed a 59-49 semifinal win over Freed-Hardman.

In today’s first game, Westmont’s Celina Gougis tallied 21 points and Kelsie Sampson poured in 16 in the Warriors’ win. Gougis, who was nine of 15 from the floor, added four assists and pulled down seven rebounds.

Carroll was led by Kalee Junkermier with 19 points and four rebounds. Junkermier made four of five from three-point range. Bailey Snelling added another 10 points for the Fighting Saints.

[Carroll/Westmont box score] [Freed-Hardeman/The Master's box score] [Carroll/Westmont photos]

Kammerer Court in Murchison Gymnasium will be alive with the sounds of basketball this weekend as Westmont hosts the CHM Hotels Basketball Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Four of the top-25 women’s basketball teams in the NAIA will compete in two games on Friday evening and two games on Saturday afternoon.

The event kicks off with #3 Westmont (2-2), the 2013 NAIA National Champion, hosting #18 Carroll of Montana (4-0) at six o’clock. At eight o’clock, #6 Freed-Hardeman of Tennessee (3-0) will take on #10 The Master’s (3-1).

Saturday’s games will feature two rematches from the 2013 national championship. At 1:30 p.m. the Fighting Saints of Carroll will face off against the Mustangs of The Master’s. The Mustangs will be looking to avenge a 73-58 loss first round loss to the Fighting Saints.

Ticket Prices:

Adults: $8
Students: $5
14 and under: Free
Westmont Students, Faculty and Staff: FREE

NAIA Women’s Soccer Opening Round Game:
Westmont hosts Westminster (Utah) at Thorrington Field, 1:00 p.m.

NAIA Volleyball Opening Round Game:
Westmont hosts Menlo at Murchison Gymnasium, 7:00 p.m.