Two from Senseman spark Braves

Mike Senseman’s shorthanded goal seven minutes into the second period, his second goal of the night, proved the difference as the Spokane Braves overcame Castlegar 2-1 Monday night at Planet Ice in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoffs.

Castlegar leads the best-of-7 series 2-1.

After losing the first two games in Castlegar, the Braves got the jump in Game 3 when Senseman scored in the first period. His shorthanded goal made it 2-0 before Castlegar cut the margin on a goal by Ken Passacco eight minutes later.

But Braves goalie Ryan Skier was unbeatable the rest of the way, turning aside 14 shots in the third period when the visitors had a 14-4 shot advantage.

Game 4 is tonight at 7 at Planet Ice.

Women’s basketball

Whitworth’s Sarah Shogren is the Northwest Conference player of the week.

The senior forward from East Valley had 49 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and five steals as the Pirates swept road games at Lewis & Clark and Pacific.