NWF Women Fall in Region 8 State Title 48-43

NICEVILLE, Fla. - Northwest Florida women struggled to get anything going Saturday night vs. #1 seed Eastern Florida as the Raiders were held to 16-46 (34.8%) shooting from the field and turned the ball over 18 times. The Raiders fall to 25-4 on the year.

Northwest Florida and Eastern Florida exchanged blows throughout the entire game, with the lead changing 15 times and the score being tied another 3. At halftime, the Raiders were down 24-23. For much of the season, Northwest Florida has been able to dominant the 3rd quarter and put their opponents away. It was a different story tonight as the Raiders were held to 11 points in the third quarter and 9 points in the 4th quarter. Eastern Florida came to play in the 4th as the Titans were 6-14 from the field in the final 10 minutes of the game to put the Raiders away.

Despite only 43 points in the game, Sakima Walker was able to fill the stat sheet with 20 points and 9 rebounds. The 6'5 Center was 8-12 from the field and 1-2 from beyond the arc. Sakima was the only Raider in double digits with Destiney McPhaul being the second leading scorer at 7 points. McPhaul recorded 8 rebounds and 5 assists tonight. 

Northwest Florida (25-4) will wait to hear their name called tomorrow afternoon at 6:00 PM for an at-large spot into the National Tournament in Lubbock, Texas. The Raiders have put together a stellar season with their 4 losses coming at the hands of teams all inside the NJCAA top 10 (Eastern Florida twice, Trinity Valley, Gulf Coast). 

Eastern Florida's victory marks the first State Championship for a non-Panhandle Conference team since the 1996-97 season when Central Florida Community College hoisted the trophy. 

For more information on Northwest Florida Athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter and Instagram.