TORRINGTON – The Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) Lady Lancers netted a decisive win against the Laramie County Community College (LCCC) Lady Golden Eagles, 72-66, in a point-for-point battle to commence the NJCAA Region IX Tournament at Torrington on March 8.

The Lady Lancers advance in the tournament and play Otero College in La Junta, Colo., on March 14 at 5 p.m.

EWC kicked off the game against LCCC with a 4-point run consisting of a jumper apiece by sophomore Hailey Long and freshman Luna Moreno.

Sophomore Tamar Kopilevich tossed in a close-range shot and a 3-pointer. Long and Kopilevich both found openings in LCCC’s perimeter to score before the Lady Golden Eagles pulled ahead, 18-13.

Sophomore Andrea Gutierrez Ciordia responded with a jumper. Kopilevich tossed in a close-range shot and went 2-for-2 at the free throw line, although LCCC maintained the lead, 22-19, as the second quarter began.

Taking possession, freshman Nikolina Vukcevic drained a 3-pointer, tying the game, 22-22, early in the second quarter. LCCC answered with a jumper before the game reached a stalemate following a close-range bucket by Moreno.

LCCC regained the initiative, 28-24. Freshman Ali Tripp converted an and-1 and Long tossed in an outside shot to place EWC back ahead, 30-28.

Moreno snagged a steal and scored on a fastbreak. Long netted an inside shot and Lady Lancers found themselves up by a single possession, 34-31, at halftime.

The lead switched back and forth in the third quarter before outside shots by both Vukcevic and Long widened EWC’s advantage to six points, 51-45, as the fourth quarter opened.

The game reached a stalemate, 53-53, with six minutes remaining in regulation. Kopilevich converted an and-1, placing the Lady Lancers up, 56-53.

LCCC tossed in a close-range shot and Moreno replied with a pair of free throws. The Lady Golden Eagles moved into the lead again, 60-58. Long went 2-for-2 at the charity stripe and tied the game, 60-60. 

Sophomore Emma Jimenez drained two free throws, and EWC recaptured the initiative, 62-60, with less than four minutes remaining in regulation.

The Lady Lancers remained ahead with free throws by Moreno, Long and Tripp. Finding the perimeter wide open as the clock reached the final second, Kopilevich drained a close-range shot.

Long led EWC in scoring against LCC with 22 points. Kopilevich netted 16 points and Moreno 13.

Long went double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds. Moreno delivered five assists and made four steals.