By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

CHENEY, WASH. -- Eastern Washington University defeated Willamette University, 83-35, in women's basketball action on Thursday, Dec. 30 at Reese Court. EWU, which competes in NCAA Division I, improved to 4-8. Willamette, a member of NCAA Division III, fell to 1-8.

Alex Zennan (Sr., G, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) was WU's leading scorer with eight points. She also grabbed four rebounds and recorded two steals.

Erin Barclay (Sr., G, Snohomish, WA/Bothell HS) of Willamette achieved seven points, three rebounds and three steals. Andrea Harris (Jr., F, Halsey, OR/Chemeketa CC) tacked on six points and made 3 of 4 field goals for the Bearcats.

Brianne Ryan topped the Eagles with 24 points. She connected on 11 of 16 field goals, including 2 of 4 on 3-pointers. Ryan also registered six rebounds and three steals. Julie Piper added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Carrie Ojeda led EWU with nine boards and four blocked shots.

Eastern Washington surged out to a 9-2 lead in the first eight minutes. Willamette tallied the next four points on a jump shot by Harris and a pair of free throws by Zennan, as the Bearcats pulled within 9-6.

The Eagles countered with a 16-0 run to extend the margin to 25-6. EWU held a 39-14 lead at the intermission. Ryan scored 17 of her 24 points in the first half, as she connected on 8 of 11 field goals.

For the game, Eastern Washington shot 41.8% from the field (26 of 67), including 31.6% on 3-pointers (6 of 19). The Eagles converted 21 of 27 free throws (77.8%).

Willamette struggled from the field in the first half, as the Bearcats hit just 4 of 25 attempts (16.0%). The Bearcats improved to 39.1% on field goals (9 of 23) in the second half. WU sank 3 of 11 three-pointers (27.3%) and made 6 of 11 free throws (54.5%) during the game.

EWU forced Willamette into 34 turnovers, while the Eagles lost the ball 21 times. Aubrey Ashenfelter of Eastern Washington led all players with four steals. Barclay's three steals were the most by a Bearcat.

Willamette will return to action on Friday, Jan. 7 with a Northwest Conference game at Pacific University. Tipoff in Forest Grove, Ore., is set for 6 p.m. (PST). The Bearcats will host Linfield College in another NWC contest on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. (PST) in Cone Field House.