Gonzaga women roll past Eastern Washington

SPOKANE — Katie Campbell totaled 13 points, three rebounds and three assists as Gonzaga, ranked No. 23 by the AP and 21st in the coaches poll, rolled past Eastern Washington 84-44 in nonconference women’s basketball Friday night before 6,000 at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

The sellout was the 32nd in women’s basketball since the facility opened in 2004.

Melody Kempton added 11 for her second-straight double-digit scoring effort for Gonzaga (3-1). Kayleigh Truong added 12 points — nine in the third quarter. Jill Townsend had nine rebounds, Jessie Loera four assists.

“It never feels easy against Eastern,” Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier said. “They make you work for everything.”

Eastern Washington (0-4) was led by Grace Kirscher, a sophomore from Sandpoint High, with a game-high 15 points off 6-of-10 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 from long range. Bella Craves added six rebounds.

“They’re ranked for a reason,” EWU coach Wendy Schuller said. “I don’t think they’re ranked high enough personally, they’re a really good basketball team. They have a lot of weapons, they play hard and they play together. They deserve a lot of credit tonight.”

The Bulldogs won the battle on the glass 40-30 and dominated the Eagles inside, posting a 36-16 advantage inside the paint. Gonzaga also scored 21 points off 20 forced turnovers on Eastern Washington.

The Zags led 23-10 after one quarter and 43-26 at the half.

Gonzaga returns to action Nov. 29 against Dayton in the first round of the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Fla.

Eastern plays host to Pepperdine on Sunday, Dec. 1.