SEATTLE, Wash. – Led by a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double from senior Emma Duff, the Western Washington University women's basketball team opened the 2021-22 season with a 68-56 victory over Humboldt State University.
 
The Vikings shot 44.8% from the field (26-for-58) and out-rebounded the Lumberjacks 41-26 to start the season 1-0 with the 12-point victory Friday afternoon at Brougham Pavilion on the Seattle Pacific University campus.
 
WWU had a hot start going on an 11-0 run to begin the contest and led HSU 11-2 following the first quarter. Western scored 26 points in the second quarter and took a 16-point 37-21 lead into halftime.
 
Humboldt State out-scored WWU 25-20 in the third quarter and climbed to within eight points following a 10-1 run.
 
The Vikings responded with a strong defensive performance in the fourth quarter to keep the lead in double-digits to seal the season-opening victory.
 
"I thought we had a balanced and energetic start to the season, especially to open and close the game," said WWU head coach Carmen Dolfo. "It was a great first step for our team to open up against a good program. I thought we played together, rebounded well and played good defense."
 
Duff recorded her eighth career double-double scoring her 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting, including going 2-for-5 from 3-point range and 2-for-2 from the free throw line. She also had a pair of steals.
 
Junior guard Mollie Olson and freshman guard Riley Dykstra each scored nine points, with junior guard Avery Dykstra, sophomore forward Brooke Walling and freshman guard Maddy Grandbois chipping in six points apiece. Olson led the Vikings with five assists.
 
Humboldt State was led by 16 points from Citlaly Davalos (6-for-14 FG) and 15 points from Madison Parry (6-for-14 FG). HSU shot 40.0% for the game (22-for-55) and were 7-for-23 from 3-point range.
  The Vikings remain in Seattle and will play an exhibition game Saturday vs. Corban University with tip-off scheduled for 1 pm in Brougham Pavilion. Fans can watch the action live online or follow via live statistical updates with links at wwuvikings.com/Live.
  WWU opened up its 51st season of varsity basketball, improving to 42-9 all-time in the first game of a season (.824 winning percentage). The Vikings have won three straight and six of the last seven season-opening contests.