Good wins for area women

The Eastern Washington women’s basketball team began defense of its Big Sky Conference title by beating Portland State at Reese Court. The win came despite a sub-par performance from reigning league MVP Julie Piper, although she came through when it counted.

Washington State got its first Pac-10 win, pulling away at Oregon State, and Gonzaga started after  its seventh straight WCC title by rolling at Portland.

Next game for the local teams is at Idaho Monday when defending WAC champion Fresno State visits. EWU, GU on road next weekend, No. 4 Stanford and Cal call on Cougars.