Strong First Half Not Enough As Tacoma Falls To Pierce

TACOMA, Wash. — In a game that saw swings of momentum, Tacoma fell to Pierce, 66-60, after giving up a 22-point lead in the third quarter. Despite the loss, TCC showed defensive grit with 15 steals and grabbed 50 rebounds in a nail-biter.

The opening quarter kicked off with turnovers from both sides until Lanasha Lacy broke the ice for Tacoma with a jumper. Pierce quickly leveled the score with Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai's layup. Tacoma then hit a stride, with Jasmeen Kaur sinking a 3-pointer, pushing Tacoma to a 12-5 lead. Jane Wanjiku's 3-pointer brought Pierce closer, but Tacoma stayed ahead, with Laney Green's layup closing the quarter at 21-18.

In the second quarter, Tacoma extended their lead by capitalizing on Pierce's errors. Ikunaday Filipe started strong with a layup after a steal, adding crucial points and assists. Jasmeen Kaur and Laney Green knocked down 3-pointers, and Tacoma's defense forced eight turnovers. By halftime, Tacoma had built a comfortable 43-25 lead, capped off by a 3-pointer from Lanasha Lacy.

Pierce roared back in the third quarter, outscoring Tacoma 21-6. Tacoma started with layups from Ikunaday Filipe and Tamairah Allen, but Pierce responded with a surge, including a 3-pointer from Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai and a layup by Jane Wanjiku, trimming Tacoma's lead. Pierce took advantage of Tacoma's turnovers, with Martha Jessop's layup closing the gap to 49-46.

The final quarter saw Tacoma holding a slight edge initially. Lanasha Lacy hit a 3-pointer, and Jasmeen Kaur added a layup and a jumper, extending Tacoma's lead to six. But Pierce's Malea Berridge fired back with key baskets, including a clutch 3-pointer that gave Pierce a 59-58 lead. In the final moments, Tia Schanbeck sealed Pierce's victory with three free throws, and Jane Wanjiku added another, ending the game at 66-60.

**Tacoma Top Performers**

**Jasmeen Kaur**
- 10 points
- 5 steals
- 6 assists

**Lanasha Lacy**
- 17 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 4 steals

**Laney Green**
- 10 points
- 11 rebounds

**Ikunaday Filipe**
- 13 points
- 9 rebounds
- 5/7 free throws made

Go Titans!