By Oly Archibald

PORT ANGELES —  After a heartbreaking overtime loss to No. 1-ranked Lane College on Friday night, the No. 3-ranked Peninsula Pirates women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge in Myklebust Gymnasium against No. 7-ranked Lower Columbia College. The Pirates rose to the occasion, dominating the Red Devils 69-54.

The Pirates jumped to a quick 10-0 lead and held their largest advantage of 24 points late in the fourth quarter with four minutes remaining. It was a well-rounded team effort, with several standout performances.

Alecsis Smith, a 6’3″ post player from Bay City, Michigan, was unstoppable in her first game of the season. Despite playing just 13 minutes, Smith scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Her frontcourt partner, Jelissa Julmist, added 14 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

Peninsula Pirates’ 6’3″ post Alecsis Smith, from Bay City, Michigan, scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in just 13 minutes of play against Lower Columbia College.

Ciera Agasiva and Ryana Moss contributed seven points each, with Moss, a former Neah Bay Red Devil, also dishing out four assists and pulling down four rebounds. Alexa Mackey chipped in six points and seven rebounds, while Shania Moanunu scored four points and added three assists. Carliese O’Brien scored four points, and point guard Veniza Jackson contributed three points, one rebound, and one assist in nine minutes of play. Jackson showcased exceptional quickness and ball-handling skills.

The Pirates are off until the Peninsula Pirates Classic, beginning Dec. 6, when they host Chemeketa at 6 p.m. They’ll face Bellevue on Saturday and Green River on Sunday.

In other sports news:
Former Roughrider linebacker Jason Hawes has been named 1st Team All-SCFA for Moorpark College in California.

Former Roughrider linebacker Jason Hawes was named 1st team All League linebacker for Moorpark College.

Port Angeles Roughrider alumnus Jack Gladfelter has earned NAIA All-American honors after finishing 8th at the NAIA Cross Country Nationals in Columbia, Missouri.

Jack Gladfelter, receiving his 8th-in-the-nation plaque at the NAIA Cross Country Nationals, is now officially an All-American

For high school sports, Sequim takes on Port Angeles in bowling today at 2:45 p.m. at Laurel Lanes.

Meanwhile, the Peninsula Pirates men’s basketball team will compete in the Skagit Valley Crossover Tournament starting Friday. They tip off at 4 p.m. against Big Bend, with live coverage on KONP Newsradio.