The Grays Harbor women’s basketball team used a strong fourth quarter to come away with its first-ever playoff victory in a 76-65 win over Whatcom on Saturday at Everett Community College.

The Chokers (15-11 overall) will be headed to the elite eight of the NWAC tournament thanks in large part to the performance of Sandin Kidder and Charleaa Armstrong.

Charleea Armstrong (10) of Grays Harbor jumps between two Whatcom Community College defenders in the Sweet Sixteen of the NWAC Women’s Basketball Championship tournament in Everett, Wash. on Saturday, March 9. (Katie Webber | The Herald)

Both players scored 23 points while making half their shots, with Armstrong also having a strong day on the glass with 10 boards.

The Orcas (17-9) held a 47-46 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but hot shooting from Grays Harbor erased Whatcom’s small lead.

The Chokers shot 10-of-16 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.

Grays Harbor did well defensively in the third quarter, keeping Elisa Kooiman off the score sheet in the last frame of play. Whatcom’s sophomore forward entered the fourth quarter with 14 points and was held 0-of-5 from the field over the final 10 minutes.

Grays Harbor will face Umpqua on Sunday in the elite eight of the NWAC tournament. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Grays Harbor 17 13 16 30 – 76

Whatcom 12 20 15 18 – 65

Top Players: Grays Harbor – Armstrong (23 pts., 10 reb., 3 blk.) Kidder (23 pts., 8 reb.); Whatcom –Gabrielle Edison (15 pts.) Elisa Kooiman (14 pts., 11 reb.)

Isabel Hernandez (22) of Grays Harbor dribbles against a Whatcom Community College defender in the Sweet Sixteen of the NWAC Women’s Basketball Championship tournament in Everett, Wash. on Saturday, March 9. (Katie Webber | The Herald)