PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC built a big lead, then held off a comeback attempt to defeat Olympic tonight at Cascade Gym, 62-59.

After a dominant 3rd quarter, the host Panthers enjoyed a 54-40 lead heading into the final period. The visiting Rangers turned up their pressure defense to stage a rally, but fell short. PCC led by a single point (60-59) with less than a minute to play, and Olympic had two attempts to take the lead. Cheyann Ashworth came up big for Portland as she blocked a shot, grabbed a tough rebound, then made two clutch free throws to provide the final margin.

The game was also a coming out party for Kaylee Foster. A little used reserve a season ago, the sophomore hit 6 of 12 three point attempts and finished with a career best 20 points.

The scrappy Rangers played PCC to a standstill in the first half, with the Panthers leading 33-30 at the break. The 3rd quarter was the difference as Portland held OC to 27 percent shooting and 10 total points, while shooting 57 percent on their end on the way to a 14 point advantage. 

Ashworth finished the game with 17 points and 17 rebounds. Raven Parson contributed 12 points and six rebounds.

Olympic was paced by Allie Greene with 19 points on 8 of 21 shooting. 

The contest was the 3rd game of the Harold Williams Invitational. In earlier contests, Wenatchee Valley defeated Mt. Hood 58-51, and South Puget Sound defeated Yakima Valley 81-48.