Chiefs challenge Richland, can't get win

Moses Lake kept it tight but could not get ahead

MOSES LAKE — The Chiefs battled hard against the Bombers but lost 38-30 Saturday.

"We were ahead by five in the first half, tied at the end of the third and got tired in the fourth," said head coach Matt Strophy. "We'll be focusing more on conditioning in practice."

Both teams struggled at the beginning of the third period, combining for six turnovers.

"If we play to our potential, that's a team we should beat," Strophy said. "The girls need to continue to learn that."

Richland scored the first points of the half, making it 19-15.

"How do I be negative about that?" said Strophy. "When was the last time Moses Lake has been within eight of Richland? Not since I've been coaching here and not since I've been in Moses Lake."

Marielle McKean gave the Chiefs their first points of the game shooting 1 of 2 from the freethrow line.

Carly Noyes scored the next point for Moses Lake, also shooting 1 of 2 from the line.

McKean had a steal and a bucket to make it 21-19 before suffering another turnover.

"We need to start making free throws and layins at crucial times," Strophy said.

Brin Bergeson put up a jumper that rimmed out but followed her shot and got the 2-point hoop at the buzzer.

With that score, the Chiefs tied it up at 21 with one quarter left to play.

Richland scored first in the fourth and continued to stretch the lead to 30-21 before Noyes shot 1 of 2 from the line to give Moses Lake their first score of the quarter.

Noyes followed her trip to the line with a layup with 1:30 left.

Brianne Roylance was sent to the line and also shot 1 of 2 to make it 34-25.

"Brianne got our game ball for the Richland game," said Strophy. "She came off the bench and provided the offensive spark we needed."

Roylance had the final score of the game for Moses Lake, stepping back for a 3-point shot with 17 seconds remaining.

"We played well enough to win," Strophy said.

Roylance led the team with 12 points. Noyes and McKean had seven points each.

Moses Lake plays at Wenatchee Friday and against Kamiakin Saturday.

"This week is an important week for us," said Strophy. "If we win we stay in third place. If we lose we essentially go from third to sixth in a weekend."