LAS VEGAS, Nev.-- Kacie Sowell's double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds led Seattle U (16-15), the third seed past Bakersfield (19-11), the second seed 84-79, in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Tournament Friday afternoon at the Orleans Arena. 

Melissa Sweat (Sr., Bakersfield, Calif., Southern Oregon) scored a career high 29 points to lead the Roadrunners. Tyonna Outland (R-Jr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) scored 24 points. Three other Redhawks scored in double figures paced by Wilma Afungo who charted 15.

The Redhawks made their first 12 free throw attempts and were 26-of-35 for the game compared to 12-of-18 for Bakersfield. SU recorded its final 13 points from the free throw line. Seattle U shot 56 from the field (28-of-50) while the 'Runners were 41.9% (31-of-74) from the floor. The Redhawks outrebounded the 'Runners 37-34.

“I am extremely proud of this team,” said Bakersfield head coach Greg McCall. “We are disappointed right now, but there is still basketball to be played.”

Seattle U will play the No. 1 seed, Idaho, in the finals on Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN U. The Roadrunners will await word on any post-season tournament invitational. It is likely Bakersfield will find out at some point on Sunday whether or not CSUB will get an invite to the WNIT or WBI Tournaments.

~www.GoRunners.com~