PHOTO: Former Pirate Ituau Tuisaula (#13) of Division I Stephen F. Austin is seen here blocking a shot against a Texas Tech Red Raider. If Itu’s Jacks win today against Southeastern Louisiana, they will secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
BY OLY ARCHIBALD
UNDATED — Former Peninsula Pirate Ituau Tuisaula and her Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are on the brink of something special, as they prepare to battle for the Southland Conference Championship. With just one more win, they will punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
Yesterday, the Jacks secured a hard-fought 61-53 victory over Nicholls State, and Itu made her presence felt, playing nine minutes, pulling down two rebounds, and contributing four points. Now, the team turns its focus to today’s championship showdown against Southeastern Louisiana at 4:00 PM, with a trip to the Big Dance at stake. Itu’s journey to this moment began in Soldotna, Alaska, a town on the Kenai Peninsula known as the “King Salmon Capital of the World.” She first made a name for herself at Peninsula before taking her talents to Stephen F. Austin.
Meanwhile, former Roughrider Eve Burke has just finished an impressive season with the Linfield University Wildcats. Linfield wrapped up the year in third place in the nine-team Northwest Conference, compiling a 19-7 overall record and a 10-6 mark in conference play. Their postseason run came to an end with a 65-55 loss to Whitman in the conference tournament, but Burke was a force all season long. She started every game, averaging 29 minutes on the floor while contributing 10 points and seven rebounds per contest. Her efficiency was a major asset for the Wildcats, as she shot 47% from the field and 76% from the free-throw line.
Former Roughrider Eve Burke wrapped up an outstanding junior season with the Linfield University Wildcats.
Back on the high school scene, local teams are hitting the fields and courts for a busy slate of competition. This afternoon, Sequim and Port Angeles will square off in golf with a 3:00 PM tee time, while in soccer action, Port Angeles makes the trip to Forks for a 6:00 PM kickoff. Tomorrow brings more action, as the Sequim soccer team opens its season on the road at Bremerton. The Sequim Wolves’ fastpitch softball team will also get their season underway with a home doubleheader against Forks, with the first pitch set for 3:00 PM.
All eyes, however, are on the upcoming NWAC Final Four this Saturday at Columbia Basin College in Pasco. The Peninsula Pirates, boasting a stellar 24-2 record, are set for a noon tipoff against an undefeated Lane College squad that enters the game at a dominant 31-0. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and anticipation is building as Peninsula looks to keep its championship dreams alive. Tomorrow morning, KONP Newsradio will have a full scouting report on the matchup, breaking down what to expect as the Pirates prepare for their toughest test yet.