In the opening game of the Cancun Challenge, No. 23 Washington State secured a victory against Maryland with a score of 87-67. The team’s player, Bella Murekatete, stood out with 17 points and four blocks. Additionally, Charlisse Leger-Walker achieved her first career triple-double, contributing to the team’s success.
The win brought Washington State to a 6-0 record, and the team is set to face UMass in their next game. On the other hand, Maryland, with a record of 2-3, will play against Green Bay.
Murekatete’s performance set a new program record, as she reached 159 career blocks, surpassing Carly Noyes.
Other notable scorers for Washington State included Eleonora Villa with 14 points, Beyonce Bea and Tara Wallack with 12 points each, and Astera Tuhina with 11 points.
The game saw Washington State outscoring Maryland 21-8 in the second quarter, leading them to a 41-39 advantage at halftime. Leger-Walker and Murekatete made significant contributions in the first half.
Washington State’s defense tightened in the subsequent quarters, limiting Maryland to just 36 points.
Maryland’s Lavender Briggs scored 18 points, while Allie Kubek and Jakia Brown-Turner each contributed 11 points to their team’s score.
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