ASHLAND – A fast start enabled the No. 23-ranked Southern Oregon women's basketball team to activate cruise control in a 74-46 Cascade Conference win over Evergreen (Wash.) on Friday night at Lithia Motors Pavilion.

The Raiders (7-2 overall, 3-1 CCC) staked to an early 19-2 lead, making the Geoducks (5-2, 2-2) wait nearly nine minutes for their first field goal, and never let their guests settle into an offensive rhythm as they shot 29 percent from the field.

Kami Walk put up 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists, Brianna Phiakhamngon scored 14, and Emma Schmerbach amassed nine points, four steals and three blocked shots in SOU's 18th consecutive home victory – a streak that dates back to 2020.

The Raiders got more slick defense from sophomore forward Clara Robbins, who finished with eight points, three blocks and two steals, and Makayla Scurlock, who added three steals of her own.

Before knocking down seven shots in the fourth quarter, the Geoducks were at one point 11-of-46 from the field. They became the second straight SOU opponent that failed to crack the 30-percent mark.

The Raiders also had a 21-6 advantage at the free-throw line, where Walk shot 7-of-8 and Phiakhamngon was perfect on four attempts. Kalei Iwami and Mallory Williams chipped in from 3-point range, both hitting a pair downtown. Iwami scored 12 points and Williams had eight.

SOU, which was playing at home for the first time in seven weeks, will remain in Ashland for Saturday's 3 p.m. matchup against Northwest (Wash.).