Laila Saenz made six of nine attempts from 3-point range and scored 22 points to help lead NAIA top-ranked Westmont women’s basketball to an 82-56 win over the Pioneers of Antelope Valley on Saturday on the road.
“Laila is an incredible shooter,” said Kirsten Moore, who was coaching her 500th game for the Warriors. “The last couple of games Laila shot the lights out. She has been consistently doing that in practice. It’s not a fluke; we expect it and it is going to be an important dynamic for us this year.”
Iyree Jarrett added 17 points, making 11 of 11 from the free-throw line. She also contributed seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Sydney Brown produced 12 second-quarter points on her way to 15 points and seven rebounds.
Westmont improved to 6-1 on the season.
“It definitely wasn’t the prettiest game, but a win on the road is always good,” noted Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. There is a lot we can learn from this game as we prepare to go on the road for three straight GSAC games. I’m glad we had a road game to get in that mindset and get ready to go into the different environments and figure out how to be our best selves. I don’t think we were that tonight, but I think we can learn from that.”
Moore, who is in her 17th year at the helm of the Warrior program, completed her first 500 games with a record of 376-124. Her .752 win percentage ranks 11th among active coaches in the NAIA and she has the 19th most wins among active coaches.
Next week, the Warriors hit the road for two conference road games at Arizona Christian on Thursday and Ottawa on Saturday.