Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Senior center Kayla Bernsen recorded her third double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Western Washington Vikings to a 90-59 victory over Alaska in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener for both schools at Whatcom Pavilion.

The Vikings improved to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in GNAC play with their third consecutive victory. UAF falls to 5-4 overall and 0-1 in GNAC play.

With the victory, Western head coach Carmen Dolfo recorded her 519 career victory becoming the winningest head coach in WWU Athletics history passing former men's basketball coach Brad Jackson.

Bernsen (Moses Lake, WA) was one of three Vikings to score in double-digits in the 31-point route. Junior forward Kiana Gandy (Des Moines, WA/Mount Rainier) contributed 17 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field and junior point guard Taylor Peacocke (Kenmore, WA/Inglemoor/Sacramento State) had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

"I thought we really shared the ball well and played a balanced game where we didn't force the shots," said Dolfo. "We played a little bit better defense and are improving in that area. It is nice to start conference play with a win."

Western held a 39-31 point lead at halftime, and then pulled away with a dominating second half out-scoring the Nanooks 22-11 in the third quarter and 29-17 in the 4th quarter. Gandy and Bernsen each scored 8 second-half points, while junior forward Tia Briggs (Tacoma, WA/Wilson) poured in 7 of her game total 8 points.

The Nanooks were led by 16 points from junior forward Jordan Wilson, and 10 points each by junior guard Jaylee Mays and senior guard Arinesha Smith. Reigning GNAC Player of the Week Stephanie Toumson was limited to 8 points.

Dolfo, in her 25th season as head coach of the Vikings, improved to 519-195 (.727) to take over the top spot for head coaching wins in WWU Athletics history.

"I am not big into individual accolades, but this speaks volumes about our program and our University," said Dolfo. "Western Washington University is an amazing place to coach and the community support that is offered in Bellingham makes this a place that coaches don't want to leave. I am honored to be part of the WWU community."

The Vikings (4-3, 1-0 GNAC) return action Saturday hosting No. 3 Alaska Anchorage at 4 pm at Whatcom Pavilion.