Northeastern Junior College falls to Northwest College 88-57 in playoff opener

Northeastern Junior College’s women’s basketball team saw its season come to an end Saturday night in Powell, Wyo., as the Plainswomen dropped an 88-57 decision to Northwest College in the opening round of the playoffs. In a win-or-go-home matchup hosted by the higher seed, NJC struck first on the scoreboard but could not sustain its early punch as Northwest steadily pulled away over four quarters.

The Plainswomen opened with confidence, scoring the first basket of the game and matching Northwest’s energy in the early minutes. Northeastern moved the ball well on the perimeter and generated quality looks, but as the first quarter wore on, Northwest began to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and transition chances to create separation. By the end of the opening quarter, the hosts had seized momentum and forced the Plainswomen to play from behind the rest of the way.

Offensively, Northeastern put together balanced scoring with several players contributing in double figures. Madison Sepeda paced the Plainswomen with 15 points and 3 assists, attacking off the dribble and knocking down shots to keep NJC within striking distance. Forward Daniela Garcia Gasco added 13 points and 3 assists, giving the team an inside-out presence and helping facilitate in the half court. Guard Rebekah Seggerman provided another spark with 9 points, chipping in timely baskets as NJC tried to answer Northwest’s runs.

On the glass, Northeastern received strong efforts from multiple players despite facing a Northwest team that consistently pushed the pace. Veronica Baray led the Plainswomen with 6 rebounds, working to limit second-chance points and extend possessions on the offensive end. Monique Sena delivered a well-rounded performance with 13 points and 6 rebounds, battling inside and finishing through contact while also tracking down boards on both ends.

Northwest, however, gradually took control with sustained scoring runs and defensive pressure that disrupted the Plainswomen’s rhythm. As the game moved into the second half, NJC continued to compete and find offense, but Northwest’s ability to string together stops and convert in transition widened the margin. The hosts maintained their advantage through the third and fourth quarters, preventing Northeastern from mounting a late comeback in the elimination setting.

The loss closes the Plainswomen’s season in the first round of postseason play, ending a campaign that featured contributions from throughout the roster. Despite the final result, Northeastern’s early composure on the road, along with standout performances from Sepeda, Garcia Gasco, Sena, Baray and Seggerman, underscored the team’s competitiveness in a challenging playoff environment. The Plainswomen now turn their attention to the offseason and the development of a returning core as they look ahead to next year’s schedule.