Storm Fall in Overtime Heartbreaker to Umpqua

SALEM, Ore. — In a clash between two of the NWAC's top-tier programs, the Chemeketa Storm (15-4, 5-1) saw their momentum halted in a grueling 75-70 overtime loss to the Umpqua Riverhawks (14-5, 5-1) on Saturday afternoon at the Storm Center. Despite a heroic 24-point effort from Ella Holwege, the Storm were unable to contain Umpqua's interior presence in the extra period, dropping a game that featured 125 fans in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere.

A Tale of Two Halves and Extra Time

The contest was every bit as advertised for a matchup between two teams entering the day with identical 5-1 conference records. The Storm jumped out to a narrow 20-18 lead in the first quarter, but a defensive second frame saw the teams head into the locker room deadlocked at 31-31.

Chemeketa appeared to seize control in the third quarter, outscoring the Riverhawks 23-16 to take a seven-point cushion into the final frame. However, Umpqua's Kaelyn Shoemaker proved to be an immovable force, finishing with a game-high 29 points and 15 rebounds. The Riverhawks chipped away at the lead, outscoring Chemeketa 19-12 in the fourth quarter to force a 66-66 tie at the end of regulation.

In the overtime period, the Storm's offense went cold, managed only 4 points compared to Umpqua's 9. Fatigue played a factor as the Storm shot just 37% from the field for the game, while the Riverhawks utilized their size advantage to win the rebounding battle 50-36.

Storm Standouts

• Ella Holwege: Logged 45 minutes of action, leading the team with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

• Ava Rubio: Provided a massive all-around performance with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.

• Patricia Mike: Contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds, though she struggled to find her rhythm from the field, going 4-of-25.

• Mia Fullbright: Nearly notched a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Key Statistical Comparison

The difference-maker in this marathon contest was Umpqua's dominance on the glass and Chemeketa's struggle with perimeter shooting.

While the Storm were clinical from the free-throw line (10-of-12), they were unable to capitalize on 16 Umpqua turnovers, ultimately falling short in the final five minutes.