Green’s Big Night Sparks Cruisers’ 54-36 Home Win

The Lady Cruisers opened the week at home Wednesday, Dec. 17, hosting the Washington Patriots at Rainier Connect Arena. Eatonville earned its second straight victory of the season with a 54-36 win, fueled by a season high 17 points from Jordyn Green.

Eatonville's Jordyn Green scores two of her season-high 17 points against Washington to help lead the Lady Cruisers to their second victory of the season. Photo: Heather Quirie

Eatonville set the tone early, jumping out to a six point lead in the opening minutes behind an 8-0 run. The Cruisers continued to apply pressure and closed the first quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 16-7 advantage. Green accounted for nine of Eatonville’s points in the quarter, setting the pace offensively.

The momentum carried into the second period as the Lady Cruisers opened with another 6-0 run. After Washington snapped the streak with a free throw, Eatonville responded with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead further. Green remained hot, scoring eight more points in the quarter as the Cruisers took a commanding 33-15 lead into halftime.

Eatonville continued to build its cushion in the third quarter, getting balanced contributions from Josie Lavergne and Morgan Laird, who each scored four points in the period. The Cruisers entered the final quarter ahead 43-20 and firmly in control.

With a 23 point lead, head coach Chelsea Caramandi was able to go deep into her bench and give valuable minutes to her reserves. Senior post Savanna Price dominated the glass in the fourth quarter, pulling down seven rebounds. While Washington outscored Eatonville 16-11 in the final period, the lead was too large to overcome as the Lady Cruisers closed out the 54-36 win.

Green finished with 17 points and six steals to lead Eatonville. Lavergne added 10 points and seven rebounds, Laird chipped in nine points and seven steals, and Savanna Price grabbed eight rebounds to go with four points.

“This week showed a lot of growth for us, especially in taking care of the basketball,” Caramandi said. “We cut our turnovers from 43 in our opener down to 12 on Wednesday, which is a big step forward. Jordyn led us with 17 points and 6 steals, and it was great to see her effort pay off she works incredibly hard every day.”

The Lady Cruisers wrapped up the week Friday on the road against a tough Steilacoom Sentinel squad, falling 52-34.

Eatonville struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, scoring five points in the first quarter while Steilacoom built a 12-5 lead. Sadie Mettler led the Cruisers with three points in the opening period.

Jordyn Green and Delaney Livernash each scored three points in the second quarter, but Eatonville was unable to close the gap and trailed 23-12 at halftime.

The Sentinels extended their lead in the third quarter, knocking down five of their eight three pointers on the night and outscoring the Cruisers 19-7. Steilacoom entered the fourth quarter firmly in control.

Eatonville showed fight in the final period, outscoring the Sentinels 15-10 behind Morgan Laird, who scored eight of her 10 points in the quarter. Despite the strong finish, Steilacoom held on for the 52-34 victory.

Laird led Eatonville with 10 points, while Mettler finished with eight points and 13 rebounds. Delaney Livernash added six points and 10 rebounds in her first varsity start, and Josie Lavergne pulled down 12 rebounds.

“Friday was a tough matchup, but there were positives,” Caramandi said. “Delaney Livernash gave us a strong first varsity start with 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals, both Mettler and Lavergne battled on the boards, and Morgan Laird continues to be a steady, calming presence for us offensively. We’ll keep building and focusing on consistency.”

The Lady Cruisers will take a short break for the holidays before returning to action Saturday, Dec. 27, when they travel to Mossyrock to face the Mossyrock Vikings at 7 p.m.