2005 WESTERN CHAMPION LADY DEVILS TAKE 5th IN NWAACC!
The Lower Columbia College Lady Devils showed great heart and courage as they battled back from an opening day loss to win three straight at the 2005 NWAACC championships, taking 5th place.
After a heartbreaking loss to Umpqua in the opening day, The Lady Devils defeated Skagit Valley, earned an amazing come-from-behind victory over Highline and then defeated Edmonds 58-54 to take the 5th place trophy.
Jessica Grubb was named second team all-tourney, but she was not the only star for LCC. Sara Burgoyne was again solid, Lacey Nobles played great post defense, Nicole Hallman was the inspirational star of the Highline game and Brithani Lassiter hit 10 straight clutch free-throws in the finale against Edmonds. Hallman shook off a vicious cut to the cheek bone and hit a game winning three-point play to lead LCC to the win over Highline. Her eye was so swollen that she was not able to play in the final game versus Edmonds.
Jason Hoseney continues to take the program to near-elite status. The Lady Devils have won back-to-back Western Division championships and now will look to ride the momentum after taking home a trophy this year. Recruiting is underway and the Lady Devils are optimistic that they can bring in outstanding players to join the talented returning stars. The returning players are all very good including Kayleigh Short, McKenna Clark, Stacey Fleming, Shawnda Kerr, Lassiter and Hallman.
The sophomore class will be sorely missed. Burgoyne, Grubb, Nobles, Brooke Oyler and Bethany Smith have all been very good players and great people. Their leadership on campus was outstanding. It should also be noted that freshman guard Ashley Rodman will not return next season has she will concentrate on her studies. She was a great addition to the program and we hope she reconsiders. We wish her the best as she is truly a class act. Which can be said for the entire 2005 Lady Devil team.