The women’s basketball team defeated the visiting Linfield Wildcats 82-60 after a big second-half effort. The win brings the Pirates to a tie for second place in the Northwest Conference after a George Fox loss last night to Whitman.

While the two teams shared a similar field goal percentage (Whitworth at 43% and Linfield at 41%), the Pirates separated from the Wildcats on the defensive end as tight-knit defense from sophomore point guard Lexie Zappone and the rest of the Pirate defense forced 20 Wildcat turnovers.

Sophomore guard KC McConnell lead the way with 16 points and five rebounds, senior forward Kayla Johnson followed up her career-high with a 15 point, eight rebound performance and Zappone added 13 points and three assists, as well as stellar defense throughout.

The Pirates look to avenge a last-second defeat on Jan. 17 to seventh-ranked George Fox, tonight at 6 p.m. in the Fieldhouse.

Contact James Silberman at [email protected]