Lady Warriors Fall at Ottawa Spirit

The Nelson Lady Warriors (1-8) showed plenty of fight but couldn't overcome a slow start, falling 72-44 on the road to the Ottawa Spirit (4-3) in a game that was decided early despite three quarters of competitive basketball.

Ottawa came out blazing, racing to 13-0 and 17-1 leads before Nelson was able to settle in and slow the Spirit's speedy attack, staking a 29-8 lead after one quarter. To their credit, Nelson refused to fold. For the final three quarters they traded blows with the hosts, shooting the ball confidently from deep (6-20 from three) while holding Ottawa to just 6-23. The Lady Warriors also forced 19 turnovers and kept their own miscues to 18.

The Spirit never trailed, using their size and speed to maintain control. Ottawa's overwhelming advantages on the glass (52-25) and in ball movement (17 assists to Nelson's 5) proved to be the difference in the game, dominant aspects which allowing the Spirit to cruise to the finish line.

Individually, Nya Misi game off the bench doing everything she could to keep her team's deficit from spiraling out of control, scoring a game-high 19 points on an efficient 6-14 from the field, including a season-best 5-11 from beyond the arc. With balanced scoring overall, no other Warriors reached double-figure scoring, although Sophia Morón shot 2-2 from the field and 1-1 from 3 for 6 points, while grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and recording 2 steals. Tatiana Ayala struggled from the field, but managed 4 points to go along with 6 hotly contested rebounds.

For the Spirit, Jana Solee led the way with 16 points, while Tiana Sledge finished with 6 points and 7 rebounds and Charli Book came off the bench for 7 points and 10 rebounds.

Up next the Lady Warriors will host Arizona Christian University on December 9, and 6pm at the Scott Activity Center.

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.