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SPOKANE, Wash. - The Lisa Fortier head coaching era began with a defensive showcasing 92-44 exhibition win over Eastern Oregon University in the McCarthey Athletic Center Sunday.
The Zags held Eastern Oregon to 44 points; just three days after the Mountaineers totaled 119 points in a win. Gonzaga finished 49 percent from the field, while EOU shot 35 percent. The Bulldogs limited Eastern Oregon to 17 made field goals on 48 shot attempts. Gonzaga made nine of its 20 shots from behind the perimeter, and the Mountaineers made one of their nine three-pointers. The Zags also forced EOU into 25 turnovers, and made 14 steals.
"I thought our team did a good job of pushing the tempo," Fortier said. "It was good to see us back out there with our fans, and not picking up where we left off, but on our way to it."
Lindsay Sherbert led five Bulldog double-digit scorers with 16 points. The senior connected on four of her five three-point attempts. She finished 6-for-8 from the field.
"I'm kind of approaching this year like it's my last one," Sherbert said. "I just want to leave it all on the court each game. I just want to come out here with confidence, and give whatever the team needs."
Shelby Cheslek contributed a double-double performance of 10 points and 14 rebounds. The Pullman, Wash. native also had a pair of blocks. Sunny Greinacher added 13 points. Emma Wolfram and Keani Albanez scored 12 and 11 points. Albanez also had a game-high four steals. Newcomer Emma Stach dished out five assists.
Gonzaga had a decisive 50-24 edge in rebounds. The Bulldogs pulled down 24 offensive rebounds. The Zags finished 13-of-19 from the free-throw line. Eastern Oregon was 9-of-17.
The Mountaineers (3-0), which were also playing an exhibition, were led by Airashay Rogers' nine points.
The Bulldogs open their regular season schedule against No. 22 Dayton on Nov. 16. The game tips off at 2 p.m., and will be televised locally on SWX. Live radio coverage will be on The Key 1050 AM. Live stats will be available on GoZags.com. Fans are encouraged to wear blue to support the Zags.
